The Benefits of Failure – J.K. Rowling's Remarks
J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, recently gave the commencement address at Harvard’s graduation ceremony. During her address, which is touching, funny and deep, she talked about the benefits of failure.
While sharing about some of her own failures, she said: “… failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was … I was set free, because my greatest fear had already been realized, and I was still alive … rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”
I think that’s a pretty good description of the transformational journey from false self to true self.
You can read or watch the entire address on the Harvard Magazine website.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
” … rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” I think we both know a foundation even more rock solid than that. I hope you will make it clear to the people you minister to that there is only one solid foundation to build on!
June 20th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Richard, hi there. It was so good to see you and Amy at Jerry’s wedding. I’m sorry I didn’t take the time to catch up with you guys more. I’d love to hear how you guys are doing … and what it’s like to be new parents!
Thanks for your comment above.
My understanding of emotional and spiritual development has evolved since the last time you and I talked. My understanding continues to evolve.
From my understanding, one aspect of healthy spirituality is giving people spiritual freedom — the freedom to develop their spirituality in the way that’s best for them. For instance, J.K. Rowling may not describe her “solid foundation” in the same way that you describe your “solid foundation.”
That doesn’t mean that her “solid foundation” is any less solid than yours or that yours is any less solid than hers.
In my opinion, a crucial question to ask one’s self is, does my “solid foundation” help me to grow, mature and become more loving? And only I can answer that question for myself. Only J.K. Rowling can answer that question for herself. Only you can answer that question for yourself.
Is there only one “solid foundation” to build on? Another way to ask that is, is there only one ground of being? I think the answer is yes … but I think it can be described and experienced in different ways.
Any thoughts?
Blessings,
Andy