I came across this quote recently, and at first I liked it a lot. It was originally said by that pointy eared sage, Yoda, in “The Empire Strikes Back.” I don’t recall the exact situation, but I suspect Yoda was giving Luke Skywalker a pep talk in the face of some intergalactic challenge.
I understand the message: Either do something or don’t do it. Make up your mind one way or the other. But just trying doesn’t count. And I suppose if trying is equated with half an effort, then I agree.
On the other hand, I think trying counts for a lot. Smokers often try quitting more than once to finally stop. Students often try understanding calculus before they get it. Runners try to break the four-minute mile barrier before some actually do it. The world is filled with people trying.
Perhaps Yoda would say, “Ah, they are merely on the path of doing.”
Yes, but some will not succeed. Yet I believe each person who sincerely tries deserves credit even when the goal is not reached. For me, trying is the large middle of a bell curve between not doing at all on one end and getting the thing done at the other.
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