Volume XXIII, Number 39 (Issue 1148) September 29, 2025
So, You Think My Baby Is Ugly out!
No parent wants, let alone expects, to be told their baby is ugly. This applies to adoptive and biological parents alike. Similarly, it applies whether the child in question is a human offspring, one’s fur baby, an idea, or a decision. This pride of parenthood (authorship, aka the “endowment effect”) is easily understandable and it is what gives rise to the defensiveness that occurs when anyone dares to cross that line by insinuating one’s child is less than beautiful.
Of course, most infants are undeniably cute, never more so than in the eyes and mind of the parent or doting grandparent. However, as the child ages – say when it reaches that gangly, awkward stage or when he or she enters those surly teen years – there can come a point where they become singularly unattractive.
That is why when the offspring in question is an idea or decision, an objective or independent opinion can be of great value. An outsider possessed of the right experience and knowledge can help to level-set and therefore more easily recognize imperfections or failings in the “child.” One might refer to it as the benefit of a fresh set of eyes.
This is especially true when it comes to ideas and decisions. What we all must understand is that in the case of applied thought the shift from attractive to unattractive occurs quickly if not suddenly. That is because things in the environment change while the vast majority of decisions and their application have incredible inertia. After all, they come about with the goal of solving a problem. Chiseled in stone, they are inclined to remain static. However, since change is occurring at the speed of light, should it surprise anyone that friction begins to occur not long after implementation and only grows worse by the day?
It was the late sage Peter Drucker who said, “Defending yesterday is far more risky than making tomorrow,” as well as “A success that has outlived its usefulness may, in the end, be more damaging than failure.” It is for these and similar reasons that a measure of third-party objectivity coupled with the courage to speak the truth to power plus a parent’s (creator’s) open mind that best solves the problem of an ugly baby.
Soli Deo Gloria
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
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