""You were not born to be a second-hander."

Howard Roark to Gail Wynand in "The Fountainhead""

~ Ayn Rand, 20th century philosopher

from The Fountainhead

Ah, the second-hander...

For those who have not read "The Fountainhead," the second-hander is the one who lives for others, always striving to impress others and to "do the right thing" while selling his soul in the process.

Are you living like a second-hander—too easily acquiescing to the demands of others/society/family?

…

I say to you, "You were not born to be a second-hander."

Is it possible I’ve unlocked the key to making a post? Shazaam!

First, have to say I loved Fountainhead. If ever a book deserved to be read… as big as this work is I still recall the sadness at it coming to an end.

Now, love this quote as I revered revered Howard Roark. What comes to mind is something I talk about in my book, Strength for Life, the epidemic of “good enough” in our society at the moment. Specifically, as it pertains to health-for most people, health is little more than the absence of illness, not the presence of something great.

I encourage people to step into their greatness, into their Strength. And I have had a number of people comment on how they’ve long had an issue with really having a lean strong body-and owning their own full strength-for fear it would alienate others, aka make them stand out of the crowd.

They now see that it’s not about ego but that Strength-to make real your potential-is not about ego but is rather your foundation. It’s not about serving yourself but how you can be the most for others.

Good stuff…

amen!