01 Apr 2025: Context

Sometimes you’re just not enough. You fall short. It’s hard to accept, but it’s true. At some point, we are all not as good in some respect. Before we start on our panic attacks, let’s examine context.

It’s impossible to make an evaluation of anything without some context. There is no objective judge; There are no universal criteria. Something only has relative value according to the context in which it is appraised.

For instance, let’s consider mercury. In the context of making jewelry, it is an entirely* useless metal. Can’t be made into workable chain or wire, becomes liquid at room temp, and, most damning, it is highly toxic. On the other hand, inside a thermionic valve, a thermometer, or a florescent light, mercury is essential.

Our value is also dependent on context. Probably on this or that application, in some specific context, you don’t measure up. But that’s just that specific situation, that specific person or group of people, and that specific time in your life. Most importantly, it is only one application.

The trick, I think, is figuring out what different contexts call for. Where is your relative strength? Where is your relative weakness? How can you make what ability you have best complement the situation you are in?

It’s not always like tests in grade school. There isn’t a single number measuring your worth. There aren’t even just several numbers. Often there’s no numbers at all. People aren’t math. Not all problems can be solved.

So if you think you’re not measuring up, reflect on your context. In one context, you might not be everything you want to be. That’s okay. I’m sure you will find out how to shine.

*: I can envision a world where people start putting ampules of liquid mercury in jewelry. Though, perhaps profitable, these are still capsules of glass containing a highly toxic chemical and should not be considered.