Living In the Past

Good day, good people.

For the devotees of the English language: Barmecide is an adjective. It is to be deceptive or false.

In Operation Downfall, a political thriller, the president commits adultery during a re-election year. A billionaire poses as his friend, but in fact he is an extorter who set him up. He forces the president to conspire with him to commit treason so the adultery will not be made public, the president will be re-elected, and the extorter will make large profits.

Learning from history is the right thing to do, but do not dwell on “could’ve”, “just suppose”, “should’ve”, “what if” and “would’ve”; they are counterproductive. Marlon Brando plays the part of Terry Malloy in On the Waterfront. Rod Steiger plays the part of his brother Charley. They are riding in a car. Because of a previous fixed fight which Terry engaged in barmecide conduct and intentionally lost, he said to his brother, “You don’t understand. I could’ve had class. I could’ve been a contender. I could’ve been somebody instead of a bum, which I am.” Terry is working as a longshoreman on the docks of New York and cannot put his failure behind him. He cannot live in the present, because he is constantly living in the past. His anger controls him, and he does not control his anger, and it affects everyone he knows to his ongoing and never-ending disappointment. Do not let it happen to you.

It is always better to engage your brain before you do or speak, and in this way you will avoid making a non-correctible error. Only you can make yourself angry. Do not believe someone else infuriates you or blame him or her erroneously. For if you allow someone else to make you enraged, you sink to their level, and they have won. When you make this mistake, your anger interferes with good judgment. You may do or say things you regret. Never believe your regrets can be cured, forgiven or forgotten by an apology. An apology is never effective — ever. The offended party will always remember, will continue to recall it and present it to you at the most advantageous time for the offended and to the most disadvantageous time for you.

Be content with what you have and who you are. If you wish to improve do so, but in the present and do not dwell on the maybes of the past. It is a waste of time and interferes with a successful present and future. You need all the energy you can generate to be the best you can be. Do not donate it to futility — it is unforgiving.

What is your thought on living in the past?

Contacting me with comments and constructive criticisms with honesty and pleasantness their constant companions will always be welcome.