What comes after failure? Depends. One of the things that came after it for me was, eventually, discovering that failure isn’t necessarily the last word on anything.
Regarding cleverness and intelligence, I checked with ChatGPT. It defined cleverness as ‘the ability to think quickly and inventively to solve problems’. It is ‘specific and situational’. I know many intelligent people who are not clever. And there are many clever people who are not all that intelligent (including most politicians).
I work in the business of process safety management; I have written about 10 posts to do with ChatGPT 3.5 and the work that we do.
The general response to ChatGPT in this community is negative, even though most of the people in it are engineers, and so are comfortable with technology. One of their worries is to do with the truth of the responses that they receive. (Pilate’s question to Jesus is rapidly becoming my favorite Bible verse.)
Yesterday I wrote a post entitled 'ChatGPT and Process Safety Truth' at
We need to very wary when we expect a specific answer. But, if we are looking for management/theological guidance, ChatGPT can be helpful. That’s why the subtitle of the post is,
'Virtual assistants can be very helpful ― not because they are right, but because they make us think.'
I love that you lament, you grieve, over a failure. We're not supposed to mention them, much less give them reality, "thingness," that we can deconstruct, reconstruct, lament, dammit, grieve, sob, be cranky, sad, Just Do It ✔️ Wear it like a cloak that the sequins no longer shine upon.
Then, give failure away. Fling it from a mountain, or into a river, or down the toilet. Then, then, sleep in peace.
My failure, or rather my success, came as a result of decline in short term memory and a failure of executive functioning.. It got to the point I would arrive at work, and sit there, not knowing what to do. Two weeks later I retired on permanent disability. (My disability officially ends 23 years later with my turning 65 this Friday.) Removal of stress greatly improved my ability to think and to plan. Short term memory still remains a problem.
The thing is that I don't see it as a failure. i successfully managed my departure, so that my family was taken care of financially--I wasn't fired the way people are when they stay too long, losing their disability benefits if they have them. My job wasn't stuck with a disabled employee too long, I left my job at the peak of the institution's success, including the first balanced budget in the history of the institution, functional dynamics in the community, and healthy leadership.
I also have regularly contributed to the pool of ideas out there in the world. i write poetry, which no one reads, but it has the capacity to change the world. I preach occasionally, even though it takes me about 50 hours to prepare a sermon. with fresh ideas, That is ok. I have the time. That it is often only mediocre, is a victory, albeit a limited one. I contribute to human perception of beauty, often from a unique artistic perspective, through my photography. I find churches willing to exhibit my works.
I would say none of this is granted a participation award., none of it receives a token of appreciation. I offer it all free of charge to the communities that are willing to accept my leadership with its limitations. So it is all volunteer. I recognize that some people might see this as a sign that it is not valued. but sometimes the best things in life are free. I find I am of incredible value.
Facing our limitations is so hard, but I’m reminded that the Lord chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. You seem to have a kind heart, and that’s no small gift in this hard world. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Tripp, at 16, I publicly acknowledged the "call to preach" and went to college and seminary to prepare for the preaching ministry. Along the way, I developed writing skills, and doors opened for writing and editing for religious publications. I also served on church staffs but not as preacher for a long time, not realizing I was reaching more people through editorial work than in one congregation. I retired after 23 years as journalism professor. But several years before I retired, I began unpaid preaching/teaching on a weekly radio broadcast from our home church and continued several into retirement for a total of 31 years. After many periods of disappointment, that call from age 16 became reality. I hope I was excellent with my iisteners!
What comes after failure? Depends. One of the things that came after it for me was, eventually, discovering that failure isn’t necessarily the last word on anything.
I am trying to remain open and curious.
Regarding cleverness and intelligence, I checked with ChatGPT. It defined cleverness as ‘the ability to think quickly and inventively to solve problems’. It is ‘specific and situational’. I know many intelligent people who are not clever. And there are many clever people who are not all that intelligent (including most politicians).
Stop using AI. It’s bad for you. ;-)
I work in the business of process safety management; I have written about 10 posts to do with ChatGPT 3.5 and the work that we do.
The general response to ChatGPT in this community is negative, even though most of the people in it are engineers, and so are comfortable with technology. One of their worries is to do with the truth of the responses that they receive. (Pilate’s question to Jesus is rapidly becoming my favorite Bible verse.)
Yesterday I wrote a post entitled 'ChatGPT and Process Safety Truth' at
https://psmreport.substack.com/p/chatgpt-and-process-safety-truth
I even enlisted help from Plato and Aristotle.
We need to very wary when we expect a specific answer. But, if we are looking for management/theological guidance, ChatGPT can be helpful. That’s why the subtitle of the post is,
'Virtual assistants can be very helpful ― not because they are right, but because they make us think.'
Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing yourself with us.
Blessings, Tripp.
Tripp, I'd like to republish this post on United Methodist Insight. OK with you?
Wow. You honor me. Sure.
Thanks!
PS Links back to the post and encouragement to subscribe would be included.
Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty.
I love that you lament, you grieve, over a failure. We're not supposed to mention them, much less give them reality, "thingness," that we can deconstruct, reconstruct, lament, dammit, grieve, sob, be cranky, sad, Just Do It ✔️ Wear it like a cloak that the sequins no longer shine upon.
Then, give failure away. Fling it from a mountain, or into a river, or down the toilet. Then, then, sleep in peace.
i love this one :)
My failure, or rather my success, came as a result of decline in short term memory and a failure of executive functioning.. It got to the point I would arrive at work, and sit there, not knowing what to do. Two weeks later I retired on permanent disability. (My disability officially ends 23 years later with my turning 65 this Friday.) Removal of stress greatly improved my ability to think and to plan. Short term memory still remains a problem.
The thing is that I don't see it as a failure. i successfully managed my departure, so that my family was taken care of financially--I wasn't fired the way people are when they stay too long, losing their disability benefits if they have them. My job wasn't stuck with a disabled employee too long, I left my job at the peak of the institution's success, including the first balanced budget in the history of the institution, functional dynamics in the community, and healthy leadership.
I also have regularly contributed to the pool of ideas out there in the world. i write poetry, which no one reads, but it has the capacity to change the world. I preach occasionally, even though it takes me about 50 hours to prepare a sermon. with fresh ideas, That is ok. I have the time. That it is often only mediocre, is a victory, albeit a limited one. I contribute to human perception of beauty, often from a unique artistic perspective, through my photography. I find churches willing to exhibit my works.
I would say none of this is granted a participation award., none of it receives a token of appreciation. I offer it all free of charge to the communities that are willing to accept my leadership with its limitations. So it is all volunteer. I recognize that some people might see this as a sign that it is not valued. but sometimes the best things in life are free. I find I am of incredible value.
Facing our limitations is so hard, but I’m reminded that the Lord chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. You seem to have a kind heart, and that’s no small gift in this hard world. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Tripp, at 16, I publicly acknowledged the "call to preach" and went to college and seminary to prepare for the preaching ministry. Along the way, I developed writing skills, and doors opened for writing and editing for religious publications. I also served on church staffs but not as preacher for a long time, not realizing I was reaching more people through editorial work than in one congregation. I retired after 23 years as journalism professor. But several years before I retired, I began unpaid preaching/teaching on a weekly radio broadcast from our home church and continued several into retirement for a total of 31 years. After many periods of disappointment, that call from age 16 became reality. I hope I was excellent with my iisteners!