May 19th, 2008

I Me Mine

I’m currently reading the book Service Included – I’m not entirely sure why, as I’m not a foodie even a little bit. I’d heard it mentioned somewhere and read an excerpt that I found intriguing, so I got it. It’s interesting enough, and an easy read, so I ought to be done with it soon.

The author is relating her experiences working at a high-class restaurant in New York, and I haven’t been able to put my finger on what’s been bugging me about it until just recently. It’s the same thing that’s always bothered me about autobiographical works: “I,” “me,” and “mine.” “I accomplished so much” and “I did a great job” and yada yada yada. It’s irritating.

I suscribe to the school of thought where I’d rather someone else tell me I did a good job than say it myself. If I say it myself, I rob anyone else of the chance to say it, and if I didn’t really do a good job, it just looks stupid to tell people I did.

I have no deep thoughts to add here, just realized what was bugging me and wanted to share. I’ll leave you with some George Harrison:

All through the day
I me mine
I me mine
I me mine

5 Comments on “I Me Mine”

  1. daniel says:

    Of course, in an autobiography, the author has to be the one saying they did a good job.

  2. Dana says:

    Unless you're pointing to God because really anthing good we do is because of him and in my case it was probably an accident if I did do something correct. To God be the glory!!

  3. Melodie says:

    Certainly an author should be allowed to say "I did such and such" in their own autobiography, but it really isn't necessary to go into detail about how great they were for doing…whatever. For example, my autobiography would look like this.

    "I grew up in Africa because my parents are missionaries. I liked it. I had many cool pets. There are palm trees in Africa. The End"

    As versus this:

    "I grew up in Africa because at the tender age of 1 I convinced my parents, through my extensive knowledge of the scriptures, to give their lives in service to God overseas. I greatly enjoyed my upbringing because I am so awesome and always have a good attitude about everything. Palm trees grow in Africa because I am there and good things are attracted to me (because I'm so great). The End."

    So yes, I can see how that book would be annoying.

    P.S. You blog about really random stuff.

    The End

  4. Dana says:

    Sounds very much like Connor's recent vocabulary…

    MINE
    ME
    MINE
    ME

    To which I have to remind him that everything is God's and not really ours to begin with. In his defense it is a little hard to learn the concept of sharing when he has no siblings at home.

  5. Eric says:

    Melodie,
    It is the randomness that makes Mup who he is and keeps us all coming back.

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