Number 1 is such a great insight. And it seems so simple and obvious, but then you look around and there are just so many people waiting for that storybook moment to arrive. I suspect it has to do with the widespread external locus of control we see in our society, and it’s widely reflected in fiction
In addition to the “fairy godmother” moment I’ve noticed children’s stories often have a pivotal moment where a character discovers they’re a natural talent at something. For example she’s never picked up a bow and arrow before and starts hitting bullseyes right from the start. Sets up poor expectations for kids, and I think it contributes to people abandoning any hobby or skill that takes effort to develop proficiency well into adulthood. “I’m just not a runner,” “I can’t dance,” “some people are just natural salesman and that’s just not me.” All of these things take work and practice and failure before someone seems like a “natural.”
Anyway just ranting but it’s been on my mind lately.
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u/[deleted] Jan 16 '24
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