The Virtue of Tenacity

I'm going to talk about a certain TOTJO member here, and not only do I feel it shouldn't be a problem, but might even be appreciated, for its point.

I'm going to talk about Mr. M. J. Hannigan.

And I'm going to be discussing an example he makes that I feel we all can learn something from - something positive - The virtue of tenacity.

You see, there are people here (I was one of them), who used to interact with this guy, and many can attest that he was not taken as the most graceful of characters when it came to getting along with the average member. I won't get into those details, but they do add to a rather interesting irony in my point.

Hannigan is known for being asked to leave places... a chat room, a forum, a social network group, as well as other things on top of that. As we all do, he gets his share of rejection, for whatever the reason may be.

Yet, after every time I hear of him being kicked out of something, banned, argued against, etc, after a little bit of time, he shows back up. He not only shows back up, he announces himself proudly... his head up high, telling everyone in some super-hero tone that "It's not easy being Hannigan", but never the less, he insists he is awesome!

I used to be so annoyed at this guy, because I didn't understand him. All many people thought was "What's so Jedi about this guy? He's must be the least humble of us all!" ... And one day I thought about it, and this is what I realized.

Being a Jedi isn't just about being humble, if it has to be about that at all. In my eyes, being a Jedi is about making the most natural and genuine use of your individual nature, positively in the world. Every one of us here has what I like to call, our own "theme". It's what comes out of our personality. Your theme might be the "clown", or the "old wise man", or "the deeply curious kid". And with each of those themes, comes different virtues that we can learn from that person with - that, as Jedi, I feel we are here to train with, and contribute with, whether by mere example, inspiration, instruction, or otherwise.

Hannigan is the tenacious one. He demonstrates persistence in the face of hardship. This is the example he brings to us. I feel he is much more a Jedi than some people here have wanted to believe in the past, because of this example that he sets. Through all the hardships I have heard him go through and put up with since I've been here, he still comes back to show everyone that everything is still great, that he is still the one and only Hannigan (back and better than ever), and continues doing what he does - hosting or helping with a talk radio show on Jedi Realism. This sucker doesn't give up! He takes a hit and comes back up for more!

Thank you Hannigan, albeit being the pain in the ass that you've been to those who would agree within any part of the Jedi Community, for reminding me through your example that I Can get back up and keep going, after I've taken a hit in life.

So, to the rest of you, aside from whatever other comments you might add to this, what are your thoughts on being tenacious as a Jedi? Do you believe its a valuable virtue to have?

Dude!!

Did you join the 'Hannies'?

The Hannigan groupies? :laugh: :silly: :laugh:

(Just teasing you Pro...)

Hannigan,like everyone we meet in life, has a lesson to teach us, and the lessons Hannigan provides (like what each of us provides) is different with each person he interacts with...

Hannigan and I have much love, and we have exchanged fewer messages than I have with many...Still respect between us... Maybe, lol, we really are not too worried about what others think....

Humility, is not an "aw shucks, play myself down" trait...

Although this is often thought what it is... Humility is "the quality of being humble,or respectful"...

I have seen many, including myself, break this a time or two, for some reason... lol...

I look at his actions of that of a different clown in this circus of life... He is the one honking the horn, flashing the lights...

This clown, (me), is sitting next to him, laughing at his antics... and at both the intentional, and unintentional results...

As far as tenacity, yes, a most definite Jedi trait... But, knowing when to give upon a lost cause is a good thing too....

You know when I first got here, hannigan and I 'had words'. And I was mad for a while. But over time, I noticed the same things you have, propro, and he's really started to grow on me, in all his hanniganishness. So I take him with a grain of salt, occassionally give as good as I get and carry on.

On to your question.I believe tenacity can be a poweful trait. I should know. It is one of my few positive attributes. I almost always start what I finish, as I wouldn't have started something if I didn't deem it a worthwhile usage of my resoures. S

So many times, we here the storiees about those who failed, but never quit. Michael Jordan got cut from his HS basketball teram, then went on to become His Airness and win 6 NBA championships. When asked why it took him 200 tries to make a lightbuld, thomas edison answered (paraphrasing) 'i did not fail 200 times. I simply found 199 ways not to make a lightbulb'. He also said that 'genius is 99% perspiration, and 1% inspiration.' Its one thing to have the dream. Its fully another rto implement it and make it a reality.

So kudoos, hannigan. Tho I may never call you master (my foolish pride again), keep doing what you do. We as Jedi absolutely need tenacity, to see this Jediism thing through. It could easily go the way of the dodo without those willing to put in the time and effort to make it a reality. Like you.

Tenacity, if you're true to your heart, act with honesty and pure thoughts, with good intentions then absolutely.

In the spirit of this thread, I propose a new word:

Shehannigans ["Sha-han-eh-gans"]
noun
(derived from the word "shenanigans")
To depict a "high spirited form of possibly misunderstood behavior"

:laugh: :silly:

Pro, when are you going to submit some sermons?

I mean...you've just blown all of mine out of the water, hahaha

Tenacity - maintaining that every cloud has silver lining and that if you refuse to give up looking you will find it in the end.

You are only beaten when you decide to be. Know your goals, now how to achieve them and put in the work to do so.

9.5 years ago I had chemical dependance issues. 9 years ago i was told I would be lucky if i could walk again let alone do martial arts are and strength training.

I left chemicals behind using the cold turkey method. I hit the gym the day i got home from the Basic Combat training to show those doctors they were wrong. To be honest not a day goes by where i do not deal with a cerainly level of pain. Some days more then others but at the end of each day I am thankful that i accomplished my goals.

What made the Jedi who they were was that they refused to back down to adversity as skywalker said they found the 3rd of two options.

For the record Jedi Realist Radio is my own work. I took what i learned at KOA and applied it to my own show which may go even larger with other hosts doing shows as well.

My theme song!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBJrUZmqFg8

I can respect tenacity, just as I can respect intelligence and strong decision making skills and good reasoning skills and being tidy and respectful etc...

There are good traits in everyone.

But it isn't simply enough to have one good trait and then fall when it comes to everything else. You need to be good in every action your perform.

The Zen Master isn't a Zen Master 10% of the time... he is a Zen Master 100% of the time...

No one great trait overcomes multitudes of poor ones...

Thus I can respect things about each person, but that doesn't mean that this one skill makes them an amazing individual...

Playing devils advocate- why not? Look at sports stars, celebrities, gordon ramsey, politicians...they can be some of the sleaziest people, yet somehow are still emulated and idolized. Again, advocati diaboli

Also, none are pefect.

Desolous wrote: Playing devils advocate- why not? Look at sports stars, celebrities, gordon ramsey, politicians...they can be some of the sleaziest people, yet somehow are still emulated and idolized. Again, advocati diaboli

Also, none are pefect.

No one is perfect? Speak for yourself not for others padawan.