I have gone through “The Life of Julia” several times. It is a very clever presentation showing how “Julia” progressed through her life very well, with seemingly little stress because of government programs that helped her along the way. I admit, it is a very compelling case that they make for more entitlements. And the clip makes it all look easy! But something was missing and I mulled about this for several days. Then it hit me, there was no mention of a survival instinct, or better yet, a drive to accomplish high success. It also occurred to me that much of the stuff Julia received was already available either by existing government programs or the private sector. Health insurance for example is pretty cheap for young people. So are condoms. It didn’t address the exorbitant cost of college other than how she could pay for it! So are we really accomplishing much in “making life easier”? We can argue all day about how much is enough, but without any survival instinct and fire in her belly Julia will still have a hard time in her life; that part is missing.
• In her career, Julia must learn to sell her services to her employer, not just show up and get equal pay to everyone else. Businesses reward employees who get the best results, not the ones who just “show up”. I hope she can learn to compete and make her own way; I’m not sure where she will learn this in her “automatic” world of go to college, get a job, own a business and retire. She must eventually learn to survive on her own as she will have problems. We all do. •
In her business, Julia must have a strong survival and success instinct if she is going to make it. The idea that if she gets money she will do well is a myth for a majority of businesses. I have seen thousands of businesses who have lost the money they borrowed, and have also seen thousands who did well with little money to start. It came down to drive to make it and lots of long hours and creativity. Not just money.
• Most of the businesses I have worked with have gone through tough times and most of them come out better business people. The fear of failing is a strong motivator as well as the desire for success. You can call it greed if you want, but maybe a little greed is healthy! A business must make a profit to survive.
• Julia disappointed me in that I didn’t see any evidence of her giving to others and helping them along their way. It seems her life was all about her; getting what she wanted and then finding a hobby in retirement to provide her further pleasure. I guess in this model that that is the government’s role, not hers.
• Who will be the stars in Julia’s world? Will we have millions of Julia’s living an average life and leave the high success to the people who take care of themselves and have higher goals than just to be average. Will this solve the income inequity problem people complain about or just raise the numbers for all? Will the increased taxes on the rich pay for more entitlements or just cause them to raise prices to consumers?
• But, if you are certain you need assistance to survive, Julia’s world may work for you. I doubt it unless you learn a survival mentality. And if government doesn’t run out of money. And don’t be envious of the people that want more!
I fully recognize that many people need help figuring out how to make a living and survive. That is much of the reason I wrote my book: “Connecting Peace, Purpose & Prosperity” a memoir that shows how I overcome obstacles and problems to achieve the “average” success I did. I also speak to colleges and other groups to get the message out. Yes you can make it in this world! And be happy!
good thoughts