Much of our life’s learning comes to us through our own failures. That is — if we are able to acknowledge that it was our failure, and not lay it at the feet of someone else. The acknowledging piece can be challenging. Our culture, and particularly our current president, does not acknowledge failure. It is never his fault. His is a terrible example for our younger Americans.

President Trump is not the only person to have difficulty owning and acknowledging personal failure. We Americans love success. We do not love failure. Actually, who does? Failure, however, is a wonderful teacher if we allow it to teach us. And, those who are most afraid of failure are those least able to acknowledge it. Sadly, the Donald, with all his huffing and puffing, is a prime example of this.

Bill Matthews
Kennebunkport