Chapter 1: The State of Current Politics

The past couple of years under the Biden administration have been quite disheartening. This administration had the chance to leverage three key initiatives: increasing the federal minimum wage, forgiving student debt, and improving Obamacare. These initiatives had the potential to resonate well with voters in 2022 and 2024. Even if these measures fell short in Congress, they would have shown that the Democratic Party was genuinely concerned about the average American's plight. Yet, the Biden Administration chose to define itself as "not the Republicans," while seemingly neglecting these opportunities.

Perhaps there are simply too many pressing political issues at hand. The Democratic Party might also be too dependent on affluent donors who are uninterested in these vital initiatives. Additionally, the legislative process may have become excessively convoluted to effect any real change. Or perhaps those in power fear the 30% of the populace that seems to favor an oligarchic system. Whatever the reasons, the failure to seize these opportunities underscores a troubling stagnation in our political system.

Dale Carnegie famously remarked, "Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."

Action!

For those of us committed to long-term endeavors, we have indeed taken action.

My journey toward an engineering degree exemplifies this principle. I dedicated myself to hard work, adhered to the guidelines, and pushed through moments of doubt. Although I faced challenges along the way, I ultimately earned that degree after five years.

However, a significant flaw exists in Carnegie's quote, one that is often echoed within the self-help community: it prioritizes persistence over discernment. Sometimes, the more prudent choice is to walk away.

Ten years after earning my engineering degree, I enrolled in a remote MBA program from a renowned institution. As a more seasoned student, I invested considerable effort and leveraged my business experience in my studies. I absorbed a wealth of knowledge about the business world but struggled to pass the examinations—twice. The university offered me a third chance for an additional fee, but I realized I had already given it my all. Perhaps I lacked the necessary aptitude for that particular degree. Thus, I decided to redirect my time and finances toward other ventures, and I hold no regrets about my decision to quit the MBA program.

Several years back, I took my son to a college basketball match. The star player was relentless, harboring dreams of a professional career. At 32 years old, he was navigating various college eligibility rules while playing for a small Canadian school. His refusal to quit raised the question: how long should one persist in the face of unyielding obstacles?

So when should we recognize that it’s futile to continue pursuing certain goals? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this dilemma. However, there are many instances where choosing to quit is the wiser path. Many of us have let go of life projects, often recognizing that it was the best decision we could make.