The Myth of “You Can Do Anything You Want”

 

Whatever Americana consists of, the notion that you can do anything you want (usually qualified by something like, “if you just put your mind to it”) is partly myth. I think Ben Franklin first said it. Russell Wilson is just one of many who build their commencement speeches around the myth. Just remember, history is written by the winners. Not everyone can be the Seahawks quarterback, no matter how hard they try or how much they want it. The myth is perpetuated by those for whom it seems true, the winners, and those who want to motivate others to try harder, usually parents and teachers. They mean well.

I don’t want to be the one to tell you Santa isn’t real, but this just isn’t so. Many have found out, and it wasn’t because they didn’t try hard enough. I will admit to a cynical streak that comes out now and then, but nothing brings it out like hearing this myth repeated. However, the true cynic would not allow for the truth that makes the tale so palatable. Every lie needs some truth to make it seem true. In this case, it is true that you can probably do more than you think you can. Focus and hard work can pay huge dividends. I grant that. But that is not the same as the babble about, “the only limit to your future is your capacity to imagine.” Please.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made with limits.

Limits are not bad things. We all have them. We live in a world with gravity; I’m good watching birds fly. I have been training for a half-marathon, pushing myself beyond where I have gone before. Talk about focus and hard work! But now I have shin splints. Focus and hard work will only make it worse. I have limits. I will die one day, a definite limit. I have always wanted to dunk a basketball–and maybe I could have when I was younger with intense focus and hard work. But now, should I call 9-1-1 before or after I even try?

Facing our limits can be the same as grieving a loss. 

In the early 70’s, cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker wrote an amazing book called The Denial of Death. Ironically, he died not long after he wrote it. He has incredible insight into our propensity to try to fool ourselves regarding death as the ultimate limit. One of the things we do is look for heroic figures who don’t seem to have the same limits we do, people who can dazzle us with their abilities, good looks, or self-confidence. They make great commencement speakers. But others have pointed out that this myth can be the cause of depression and mid-life crisis. Facing our limits can be the same as grieving a loss.

I am loved deeply by God with my limits.

I have limits, and it feels good to say it. I am fearfully and wonderfully made with limits. I am loved deeply by God with my limits. And, true, I can do more than I think I can and maybe I need a good pep talk once in a while to remind me. But remember, the first man and woman grasped for “life without limits,” and they ended up in a much worse place.

–Pastor Mark, The Imperfect Pastor

Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19 NKJV)