07-21-2010, 08:01 AM
Very well theorized (per usual), Redrum, though I too struggle with reconciling his apparent intelligence with what seems to be his perception that he ultimately achieved the "success" to which you referred at the end of your post (I don\'t know the man, but I\'ve yet to read a quote in which he really concedes his failures).
Inheriting stellar recruits from Green and Walsh undoubtedly contributed to his initial success at Stanford (as did a relatively injury-free year, playing against atypically weak Pac-10 competition in his Rose Bowl season). Clearly consistent with a healthy dose of "chance, good will and the influence of others", as you postulate.
I can\'t help wonder what role his race (and the discrimination that he undoubtedly faced at some points in his life -- albeit not at the hands of Stanford, as he reportedly told some ND recruits) may have played in the development of the entitlement/pride/lack-of-appreciation attributes you describe? Perhaps he believes that overcoming discrimination negates the benefits of chance, etc.?
Inheriting stellar recruits from Green and Walsh undoubtedly contributed to his initial success at Stanford (as did a relatively injury-free year, playing against atypically weak Pac-10 competition in his Rose Bowl season). Clearly consistent with a healthy dose of "chance, good will and the influence of others", as you postulate.
I can\'t help wonder what role his race (and the discrimination that he undoubtedly faced at some points in his life -- albeit not at the hands of Stanford, as he reportedly told some ND recruits) may have played in the development of the entitlement/pride/lack-of-appreciation attributes you describe? Perhaps he believes that overcoming discrimination negates the benefits of chance, etc.?