When the famed Princeton professor Dr. Cornel West opens his mouth, an array of inspirational messages hits you over and over again until you feel like you´ve been subjected to the academic equivalent of an out of control uzi. He describes himself as “a bluesman in the life of the mind, and a jazzman in the world of ideas.” Everything he says seems effortless and is utterly sublime. A true intellectual, he can connect the dots between Aristotle and Jay-Z. (Here is part of a short interview series on West and his style by the mens fashion magazine Prepidemic Magazine.)
Whenever I´m feeling low I take time to watch one of the countless interviews and talks with him on youtube. He´s made me proud of being a stubborn person who goes against the grain and has “the courage to think critically”, about anything and everything.
Of course as the writer Malcolm Gladwell posits in Outliers - his best-selling book about the formula behind success - it may have taken West at least 10,000 hours of close-reading to even begin to be able to think the way he does. I like that formula, it is fair and logical. Put enough hours into anything, surround yourself with great people and you could reach your fullest potential. You need some luck too but sooner or later we all gain sight of at least one four-leaved clover.
Don´t squander your talent. Someday you or I may be able to write and speak like West or even own a hugely successful brand like the college drop-out Steve Jobs. Nothing´s impossible, every single one of us is capable of overcoming any obstacles that hinder the realization of our dreams. Whatever they may be.
People who discourage you from living your life to its fullest are just too scared of thinking adventurously.
-Desiree Wariaro – proud owner of a red Mutewatch.