Jackass of all Trades

I think it’s interesting - the idea of nationality or nationalism. Essentially viewing one’s own nation as wonderful, the pinnacle of society, and sometimes, better than everyone else. I’ve never considered myself a nationalist and I don’t think I ever will. It’s something that I view as extremely limiting. In many instances, it inhibits the ability to appreciate another way of life and understanding that some people just do some things better. For example, I will continue to buy my cosmetic products from Korea and I will continue to eat steak in the U.S. because no offense, but I haven’t found a better place for a succulent Ribeye. Now maybe this will change over time, but it’s the principle of appreciating something for what it is. 

I think it’s a wonderful thing when certain nations specialize in certain products. It maintains a level of quality and encourages trade. It’s somewhat like a restaurant, (going back to food here) if I see a menu with 50+ entrees, I’m going to be extremely skeptical of the quality of each item and usually my gut feeling is right - my stomach is unamused. Whereas if I see a menu with 3 or 4 options, more times than not, every item on the menu is fantastic because the restaurant focuses on these entrees and does them right. Yes, that means I don’t go to the same place for spaghetti and sushi, but that’s the point: honing something specific rather than trying to be a jack of all trades. 

I think the issue in this instance is the want to expand, to be more, to have more. It’s problematic because it fuels a competition that will only result in inferior products; whoever can produce a product the quickest with the smallest cost while maintaining a decent* value will win in the end. This in turn destroys all other more-time-intensive, artisanal articles, which could have had a fantastic quality. Not to mention the ethical side of production that is often ignored when trying to expand and create mass production. The reason why I’m having a "brain dump” here is because I’ve noticed a huge difference between the U.S. and Germany. Certainly, I’m no expert, however seeing many small-scale shops here in Europe that are doing extremely well but witnessing as many such stores close so quickly in the States is so sad. I understand that this isn’t always the case and many things are governmentally subsidized here in Germany. I’m not an economics, business, or political person, but I think it’s extremely sad that, as a society, we’ve gotten away from appreciating the finer things and being willing to pay a certain price for it. Now the point can be made that this has changed so that goods can be more accessible to those who can’t afford to pay a premium, but paying for quality is an investment. Things would definitely need to improve for people to afford paying a premium for goods and services, considering the price for groceries and basic living necessities are quite expensive in contrast to a usually-low minimum wage in the U.S. Regardless, even though my Great-Grandparents had close to nothing, many of the things they bought during their lives - throughout the Great Depression - have survived to this day and are still of fantastic quality. Majority of the things I’ve purchased during my life won’t even last until I finish all of my schooling and I’m very fortunate to be in the financial position in which I am to afford such things. This brings into question how much we use and dispose of as a society and what we consider “worth it” and quality. I’m not trying to make a full-fledged argument here or a full-proof point, but it’s still food for thought. We want everything even though we could have fantastic quality if we simply focused on a few areas rather than trying to have it all. But I suppose that's what capitalism does - feeds the insatiable greed of man. In this instance, the present gratification is being far more indulged than the delayed gratification. 

Now to my point: I see a lot of parallel of this wanting to be a “Jack of all trades” in my own life. For so long I’ve had a plethora of interests and desires. I’ve wanted to be the best at so many things but never truly taking the time to invest in anything; I’ve simply skated on the surface of many areas of study and skills. In the end, it’s extremely unfulfilling. It feels as though I’ve done everything but nothing at all and I’m left wanting so much more: insatiable greed. I’ve wanted to be more than the person I’ve been at the expense of quality. Sure, I could talk the talk about anything and everything, but what are the topics in which I’m passionate about and can truly get into a riveting dialogue? How much am I missing out on from babbling about something I know nothing about, meanwhile I could’ve been listening to someone who is an expert in that arena. I don’t know if this applies to other people, but I’m tired of sacrificing quality for an instant gratification and a feeling of being more than I already am - it’s fake. 

When I take a step back and look, it’s as if I have a million hats on my table, but they’re all made of plastic. Whereas I could’ve spent my time making only a few, specific hats, but ensuring they’re the finest hats of their kind. (I love haberdasheries if you haven’t noticed). What I’m getting at is people should do what they’re passionate about and can do with great quality rather than trying to do it all; whether that’s at a national or personal scale. I think that would allow us to appreciate one another for our differences and skill sets, while also appreciating ourselves and what we have to offer. In the end, I believe it makes for a better society and creates a much higher sense of accomplishment. Because it’s really not the "Jack of all trades,” but the, “Jackass of all trades."