Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on April 22, 2012 at 3:44am

Hi Steph,

 

Thanks for posting the link to this podcast. I just finished listening and found it very interesting. I’ve added the book to my library on Audible and am planning to start reading it within the next few days.

 

The podcast gave me a couple of thoughts but I’ll share them later today when I’m a little more awake.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on April 22, 2012 at 10:55am

Sounds great Jonathan! I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on April 22, 2012 at 7:42pm

As I said before, I really liked this podcast. There was too much discussion of religion and religious figures (something I’m hopeful is not as prevalent in the book) but her comments made me think. Here’s what I have so far. I hope it makes enough sense to be useful.  

 

One of the best reasons to respect solitude and those who already value it is the need for everyone to learn how to be alone. In the piece the author focuses on the need to respect and teach solitude in the workplace but I believe it’s even more important to enjoy some alone time in one’s personal life. I feel that way because I believe many relationships fail because one or both parties cannot handle being alone; as a result, the relationship becomes smothering and inhibits personal growth. If both parties to a relationship not only respect the benefits of some solitude but desire it themselves I believe the relationship is a healthier one. The independence each partner willingly affords the other allows the differences that exist between them to become a strength that exposes the other to certain experiences they wouldn’t have without the other person in their life.

 

On the other hand, when both parties to a relationship are overwhelmingly extroverts they seem to gravitate to partners who are too much like themselves. In the beginning of their relationship this might be a great deal of fun because they spend almost all of their time together. Over the long-term, however, that constant togetherness seems to cause problems because it makes growth very difficult unless both parties want to grow in the same way.

 

? This doesn’t mean that I support relationships where people have very little in common and enjoy spending much of their time away from their partner. What I’m trying to say is that if you have a healthy relationship that is based on plenty of similar values and interests and you can add to that the desire to support each other in pursuing the things that make you different—even when that means you will not do everything together—your relationship stands a far greater chance of being successful.

 

Does that make sense anywhere but within the confines of my head?   

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 11, 2012 at 11:32am

Well yeah .. she is not an Atheist .. no

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on April 23, 2012 at 11:15am

Hi Gregory, You're not alone here. We're glad to have you has a friend. I have to admit, though, that I've spent far more time wondering what's wrong with most everyone else than I have wondering what's wrong with me.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 11, 2012 at 11:32am

There is nothing wrong with you Jonathan! You are just fine.

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on April 24, 2012 at 12:26am

I’m only a quarter of the way through the book so far but I had to write in a few comments. The part about Tony Robbins was absolutely disgusting! People, like Robins, who take advantage of the majority of our weak-minded populous are despicable. ? Cuddling up to his wife and then advertising a video on relationship building? How can so many be so easily manipulated?  

 

The part about Harvard Business School was maddening. It reminded me of the way George W. Bush won the support of so many in his election with Al Gore simply because he spoke decisively. Then he beat John Kerry because many Americans thought it would be nicer to drink a beer with him. As long as we equate decisiveness with intelligence and thinking with weakness our country will continue going down the toilet.

 

?This book is really convincing me that the so-called professional world is not for me. But then what is?    

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 11, 2012 at 11:33am

You will find out where you belong in the professional world. I think as you discover yourself more you will find the niche that you belong in and it will be natural for you. You will discover your talents.

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on May 11, 2012 at 12:31pm

Steph, That's one way to put it! You made me laugh. That was nice.

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on May 11, 2012 at 12:33pm

Thanks for the moral support! It does help.