The Dictionary’s Alphabetical Order vs. Life’s Unpredictable Sequence
The English language, with its notorious quirks, often presents us with words that sound alike but are spelled differently, or words that are spelled identically but pronounced with distinct sounds. While we might recall childhood lessons about spelling rules, such as the oft-cited “I before E except after C,” it’s a well-known fact that even this rule has its share of exceptions, leading to words like “science,” “neighbor,” and “weird.” These linguistic anomalies can indeed feel peculiar.
However, this exploration is not an exercise in etymology. Instead, it delves into a broader concept echoed by a familiar adage: the order in which things appear, both in language and in life. Legendary American sports coach Vince Lombardi, and reportedly British hairstylist Vidal Sassoon, are credited with the observation, “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” These are profound words, reminding us that in the real world, effort and dedication are prerequisites for achievement. We can extend this idea, noting that “failure” also precedes “success” in the dictionary, mirroring its frequent presence in our personal journeys, often following periods of despair, difficulty, and disappointment.
These challenging experiences, commencing with the letter “D” – despair, difficulty, and disappointment – themselves appear after the letter “A” in the dictionary. This alphabetical proximity leads us to consider words and conditions beginning with “A”: aptitude and attitude. While the spelling difference between these two words is minimal, a single letter, their impact and meaning are vastly dissimilar. The pertinent question then becomes: which comes first, aptitude or attitude? Alphabetically, the answer is clear. One might even playfully consider that “pea” precedes “tea” in a meal, as “P” comes before “T,” suggesting that aptitude (with “P”) might precede attitude (with “T”). But does this alphabetical precedence translate to real-world importance?
In educational contexts, there’s a common inclination to prioritize aptitude, with a singular focus on measurable results. This perspective, however, is fundamentally flawed. Attitude is the driving force behind aptitude. Without the correct attitude, even considerable aptitude can be squandered. Aptitude is often what is outwardly observable, but it is attitude that ignites and directs it from within. Consequently, employers and academic institutions frequently place a greater emphasis on attitude than on aptitude. It is imperative that we cultivate and celebrate the right attitude more vigorously, as we too often confine our recognition and rewards to demonstrable aptitude alone.
Cultivating a Meaningful “Be-Attitude”
The kind of attitude we aspire to nurture is certainly not a platitude. A platitude is a statement that is trite, meaningless, or prosaic, often used to assuage social, emotional, or cognitive unease with a flat, dull remark delivered as if it were novel or profound. In essence, it comes across as an unhelpful cliché. Instead, we should strive for something akin to a beatitude. This word, literally meaning a blessing, can be reinterpreted as a “be-at-it-dude” or a “be-attitude.” This signifies an attitude rooted in our fundamental being – who we are – rather than solely in our actions or accomplishments.
So, how can we effectively develop this crucial attitude? Again, consulting the dictionary can offer a framework for prioritizing. Our attitude can be fostered more rapidly and completely through adversity rather than perversity. While perversity – those contrary, unreasonable, stubborn, or unconventional traits – can indeed shape our attitude depending on how we confront them, it also carries the risk of developing a negative disposition. Conversely, diversity offers a valuable avenue for attitude development, teaching us to navigate interactions with different people and varying situations. Remaining in constant, unchanging circumstances can foster complacency.
Adversity: The Crucible of Character
However, adversity, or difficulty, can prove to be a more potent advantage than a disadvantage. Often, we tend to view challenges as reasons to seek pity and support. Yet, it is through adversity that our character is forged. The scriptures aptly state, “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character.” We should resist the urge to overprotect children, as excessive intervention in the guise of assistance can hinder their learning and growth. It is also noteworthy that “university,” in alphabetical order, appears at the end of the line, much like the culmination of a journey that requires both aptitude and a well-developed attitude.
While both aptitude and attitude are undeniably significant, when faced with a choice, attitude emerges as the far more potent indicator of success. Our inherent being holds greater importance than our outward actions. As educational institutions, it is vital that we adopt the correct attitude when assessing what is truly valuable in our students. The ultimate answer to this lies not within the pages of a dictionary, but in our active engagement and commitment to fostering the right mindset. Therefore, let us indeed “be at it.”
