Sutton's Upshot: We are all given only so many hours here on earth. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could travel through our lives without encountering people who bring us down with their demeaning remarks and actions (184)?

What does everyone think of that statement?

I'm not sure if this is a pessimistic view, or more of a realist, but I think this sounds like a lot of wishful thinking. Like other things, the war on drugs, end of poverty, world peace, estc..this ideal should always be chased. But unfortunately, as long as power corrupts, we will all encounter ass holes along the way. However, (this is where my post gets happier) this is where we have the decision to make. Will we further the abuse by relaying the harassment to those under us? Will we put up with assholes or stand our ground? Perhaps the best thing we can do is succeed. Nothing makes for a better example then succeeding the right way.

I want to end this discussion with a quote that has helped me throughout my career. "You can only control what you can control." This quote has two sides. First, I try not to worry about things I cannot control. It does me no good. Secondly,and most importantly, I try to make everything into an opportunity. I try to change anything that is making life harder for me. My job deals with a lot of logistics, and therefore, a few failed services from time to time. While I am helpless when a customer is left empty handed, I try my best to change the situation.I change the process to ensure I can monitor every transaction, cut out middlemen, etc...In the same way, I deal with a lot of jerks and ass holes. I figure out every way possible to avoid or change that person to make my life easier. Customers, employees, and vendors, can always be fired by you in some way. As the author suggests, problem employees should eradicated as soon as possible. In the same way, I have let customers go that I deem too much of a pain.