The ability to be a loser - #148

Their reasonings are unconnected: “I am richer than you, therefore I am better”; “I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am better.” The connection is rather this: “I am richer than you, therefore my property is greater than yours;” “I am more eloquent than you, therefore my style is better than yours.” But you, after all, are neither property nor style.

— Epictetus

The ability to be a loser is one you may find value in cultivating. In social terms, a loser may be the individual who refuses to play status games and accepts their circumstances as reality puts them forward. The ability to be a loser can help you learn new skills, or experience novel sensations and events. It is only by being able to drop into the abyss of the unknown and facing your own shortcomings and inadequacies, that you may emerge as a more conscious a humble human being.

To understand something from its first principle, you need to get your hands dirty with the essence of that concept or activity. To learn to surf is to accept the initial potential embarrassment of never catching a wave and always falling at your attempts to do so. It is to welcome feedback from a coach or more experienced surfer who can give you actionable feedback so you can ride your first wave and gain a bit of belief.

That is the ability to be a loser in specific circumstances and based on your knowledge and experiences. Or being a loser in a domain you have mastered, because shortcomings can happen, and the unique differentiator for reaching mastery is your willingness to descend down into the dirty ground in order to develop gratitude for the cleaner surface.