From every graduating class there are always those voted, or perceived to be “most likely to succeed.” Among the most detrimental aspects of human behavior thwarting this process we find “taking credit and shifting blame.”
It has been wisely stated, “We have no idea what a paradise this world would be were we not so hung up on who gets credit for what! This warped-ego mentality has distorted history, retarded scientific development and impeded social, economic, mental and spiritual progress. Along with seeking notoriety, greed also plays a tremendous part in the equation.
Upon being asked on one occasion in a TV interview if he thought there would ever be found a cure of cancer, one scientist shockingly exclaimed, “They already have! But its as cheap as baking soda,” he declared, and nobody will touch it as cancer is a $-multi-billion industry including research, prevention and treatment centers, oncology specialists, equipment and supplies, cancer societies, etc. which collectively creates an entire economy of itself!
In both physical and spiritual infancy we go to great lengths to take credit for things we had little or nothing to do with and then spend the rest of our insecure lives trying to back up such claims. Everyone stands to gain from the simple philosophy, “Give credit where credit is due,” as discovering deception or error in any part, tends to discredit or at least question the whole. Those quick to take credit for and/or association with admirable individuals and achievements, will in all probability be the last to accept any association with those things or persons who fail to succeed. In far too many instances we receive copy with the names of parents listed before that of the achievers (which we respectfully change at The Tribune)! We have yet to find any such priorities associated with those displaying less than admirable behavior, more frequently associated with blame, needed for every hurt and hate’s clear target and excuse for its wrath.
A wounded society needs someone to hate and/or at least to blame for its shortcomings. Will we ever mature psychologically and spiritually enough to subsequently accept this fact and assume our individual and collective responsibilities, so eloquently expressed in the words of renowned Prof. Benjamin May: “It is not your environment, it is you–the quality of your minds, the integrity of your souls, the determination of your wills–that will decide your future and shape your lives;”– and subsequently that of posterity!
