Quote of the Week...from Harry Callahan

A man's got to know his limitations.                  
                                                          ---Harry "Dirty Harry" Callahan, as portrayed by Clint Eastwood.

Not exactly the most likeable character in the history of film...yet adored by millions...the gruff, no-nonsense San Francisco homicide inspector Harry Callahan, played by Clint Eastwood in his "Dirty Harry" series,  has said a few famous one-liners: the above quote, taken from Magnum Force, is my favorite.  It's also the final line spoken in it, in one of the most satisfying closing moments in my moviegoing experience.  Whether you're in the police, athletics, the arts...or just engaging in some work around the home...it's crucial to be aware of what you can and cannot do.  It doesn't mean you are incapable of learning new things, but if you're confronted with a task or challenge you're not up to, then you're better off letting it go or finding someone else to help you with it.  Also, just because somebody's real good in one area or the "alpha dog" leader in a group, formally or informally, that doesn't automatically make them an all-encompassing, wise guru on everything that comes up, and it irritates me to no end whenever a star athlete or entertainer gets full of their own importance and expects me to agree with their opinions outside the scope of their expertise simply on the strength of their fame or popularity: sure, I'll hear what they have to say but their star value means nothing as to their arguments' merits...

In a time when we are being bombarded by messages about how we can do anything with our lives, it's important to recognize that we also are ultimately limited in our choices if what we are seeking is fame and recognition from others.  Better to pick areas that we enjoy and find rewarding for their own sake...and let what comes from others' reactions be their business and not be concerned about it.  Sometimes those goals of fame and fortune can be limiting...how many celebrities, once they get to where they've been struggling for so long and so hard, then turn about-face on it all and try to shut out the world?  Go figure.  And we all know people, going back throughout our years even into childhood, who had special talents and accomplishments (as well as special training and teaching that we weren't provided) that may have caused us to feel diminished about our own lives in comparison.  The solution: don't compare yourself to others like this, and instead rejoice in their success...that's maturity, something a lot of us never get around to attaining, but which is also something that shouldn't be beyond anyone's limitations...