chutzpah as a trailblazing advantage
Unsplash Photo Credit: Warren Wong
In a book I read called “The Chutzpah Advantage,” author Mason Harris highlights his eight key characteristics of chutzpah, showing you how to apply them towards creating a bigger, bolder, and better life.
One of the common traits possessed by those with chutzpah according to Harris is an ability to fearlessly speak their mind or do things that may surprise or shock others.
For this reason, I took particular interest in Chapter 6 of his book which is entitled……
TRAILBLAZER
……. which he describes as someone who constantly risks failure and derision.
That last word “derision” I had to look up. It means…….
……..ridicule or mockery”
According to Harris, trailblazers are innovators. In other words they forge new paths. They have a propensity for pursuing edges, stretching boundaries, and acting with uncommon boldness without worry about the good opinion of others.
As Harris notes:
“Being a trailblazer takes courage. Not simple courage without thought but considered action.”
In his book he cites baseball great Jackie Robinson as one who would be characterized as a trailblazer, a theme he captured in this excerpt:
“Despite overt racism from fans, umpires, opposing players, and even teammates, he broke baseball’s color barrier. Imagine what this meant in the late 1940s. People were either appalled by this significant change, or they viewed Robinson’s presence on a baseball field as a reason to believe in a better future.
Branch Rickey, who signed Robinson, and was heavily criticized and hated for his vision, was a trailblazer. He could have played it safe like every other major league baseball team president, but the benefit both to society and his team far outweighed the risk of failure.”
After revisiting this chapter in Mason’s book recently, I began to ponder which three trailblazers have had a profound impact on my own life.
Anthony Bourdain
I’ve long admired celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain trailblazing path for these six primary reasons
His Blunt and Candid Style: Bourdain was known for his unfiltered and candid approach, both in his writing and on his TV shows. He often expressed strong opinions and didn't hold back in criticizing certain aspects of the food and travel industry.
His Raw Admissions: Bourdain openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse in his early career, which added to his controversial image. He later became an advocate for recovery and mental health awareness.
Critique of Celebrity Chefs: Bourdain was critical of the celebrity chef culture and the commodification of food, which he felt sometimes prioritized fame and profit over authenticity and culinary excellence.
No Reservations: His show "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" featured episodes in which he explored political and social issues in addition to food, sparking debates and occasionally offending some viewers with his commentary.
His Flair For Controversy: Bourdain occasionally made controversial statements about individuals, organizations, or culinary practices that didn't align with his values, which generated both support and backlash.
Despite his controversial aspects, Anthony Bourdain was widely respected for his contributions to the culinary world and his ability to shed light on different cultures through food and travel. His complex personality and willingness to challenge norms made him a compelling figure in the food and entertainment industry.
Ayn Rand
The author and philosopher Ayn Rand’s trailblazing style has captured my intrigue over the years for several reasons:
Objectivist Stance: Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individualism, and laissez-faire capitalism, drew both passionate support and criticism. Her staunch advocacy for these ideas challenged conventional moral and political beliefs.
Critique of Altruism: Rand was a vocal critic of altruism, arguing that self-sacrifice for others was morally wrong. Her rejection of traditional notions of altruism and her celebration of self-interest were deeply divisive.
Influence on Libertarianism: Rand's ideas have had a significant influence on libertarian and conservative thought. This influence has sparked debates about the role of government, regulation, and individual rights.
Writing Style: Rand's novels, such as "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead," are known for their lengthy philosophical monologues and characters who embody her Objectivist principles. Some critics though have found her writing style didactic and heavy-handed.
Controversial Characters: Rand's protagonists often exhibit extreme individualism and disregard for societal norms, which some readers find difficult to relate to or morally troubling.
Personal Life: Rand's personal life, including her unconventional romantic relationships and her promotion of ethical egoism, raised eyebrows and generated controversy among her contemporaries.
Polarizing Impact: Rand's work has inspired passionate devotion among some readers and vehement opposition from others. Her uncompromising stance on individualism and capitalism made her a polarizing figure in both intellectual and political circles.
Overall, Ayn Rand's trailblazing reputation stems from her challenging and unconventional philosophical ideas, her unapologetic promotion of individualism and capitalism, and the strong reactions her work has provoked over the years.
Techn9ne
Tech N9ne, the rapper and founder of Strange Music is someone that I’ve personally met. He is reputed to be the largest independent rap artist in the world. Here’s what I’ve learned from his trailblazing work over the years.
Explicit and Dark Lyrics: Tech N9ne is known for his intricate and often explicit lyrics that touch on dark themes such as violence, mental health, and drug use. Some have criticized him for glorifying or glamorizing these subjects.
Horrorcore Influence: Tech N9ne's early music was associated with the horrorcore subgenre of hip-hop, characterized by macabre and horror-themed lyrics. This style has sometimes been considered controversial due to its graphic content.
Independent Success: Tech N9ne's independent approach to the music industry, including his refusal to sign with major labels and his dedication to building his own brand, has challenged conventional industry practices. Some view this as a controversial stance given the industry's norms.
Strange Music Branding: The imagery and branding associated with Tech N9ne's Strange Music label, which often includes dark and occult symbolism, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about its appropriateness and impact on fans.
Religious Themes: Tech N9ne has explored religious themes in his music, including references to spirituality and questions about faith, which have generated both interest and controversy.
Artistic Experimentation: Tech N9ne is known for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop by incorporating elements of rock, metal, and other genres into his music. While this has earned him a diverse fan base, it has also led to debates about the authenticity of his rap style.
Legacy and Impact: Tech N9ne's influence on underground and independent hip-hop is significant, but some critics and traditionalists in the genre have questioned his place in hip-hop history.
Overall, Tech N9ne's controversial reputation is rooted in his provocative lyrics, unconventional career path, and trailblazing willingness to challenge the norms of the hip-hop industry. His music and persona have inspired passionate fans while also sparking debates about the boundaries of hip-hop and artistic expression.
What a thoughtful essay, Michael. You put time and thought into that. I appreciate you.