Retro Post: Franny, Zooey, and success

I was looking through one of my old journals and found this. It was some thoughts of mine when I was reading "Franny and Zooey" by J.D. Salinger. It's funny looking back at how I thought when I was younger how many themes persist and how many have changed. Lately I have been thinking a lot about the paradox that you can only truly attain something of value if you are content without it. If you can't come to peace with reality then you can never progress in a positive meaningful way (obviously not a complete picture). But anyway, hope you enjoy this:


People need things. We all have a part of us that feels empty and we tend to fill it with things. Sometimes we start to need those things in order to escape the feelings of emptiness.

If you need something perhaps you don't deserve it; perhaps you aren't ready to really have it.

I feel like some people need to be successful. I have always thought very critically of success. It seems logical and desirable by society, but somewhat contrary to the life and teachings of Jesus. But most importantly success is dangerous. Success changes you. Success can be a very selfish endeavor. Some people need success. It drives them, the spotlight, respect, power, money, success. I fear success.

"I'm sick of not having the courage to be an absolute nobody." Zooey in Franny and Zooey p30 [context: Zooey is a famous actor struggling with happiness in the light of apparent success]

I'm alright being a nobody. Or at least I need to be alright with it. Maybe if I need success I shouldn't have it. Maybe if I can't be nobody I shouldn't be somebody.

Hiked after work today. Reached my first summit of the season!

Bear peak via NCAR and Fern Canyon
~7 miles round trip
~3000ft elevation gain

Got a little video of the top, not great quality but meh.
Summit panorama here

The Journey: don't stop believing!

I do not consider a belief somehow 'backward' based on whether or not it is right or wrong. By basing judgement of beliefs on correctness you become chained to time. No one has a perfect understanding of truth. What was revelation becomes outdated by the mere passage of time. Enlightenment turns to backwardness in the matter of a few generations. The journey to perfection isn't about attaining perfect beliefs but in constantly realizing and coming to terms with our own imperfection.

Announcement:

I have removed most of my posts temporarily. I need to take some time and actually proofread and polish my thoughts.

Thanks Matthew Turner and jesusneedsnewpr

This is satire btw....hilarious