Given America’s cultish fascination with celebrity and the prominence of contemporary “newsmakers” (think Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, Roseanne Barr, and the numerous sycophants, kleptocrats and aspiring tell-all authors in and around the White House, to name just a few), it is easy to conclude fame, without due caution, may be every bit as dangerous as more tangible habit-forming substances like heroin, cocaine, or alcohol.
News stations have long realized that uncovering scandal is money in the bank, and nothing sells like salacious sensationalism involving a famous face. Given the inherent risks of maintaining a high-profile reputation (not to mention the tremendous odds against achieving genuine renown), it would seem a rational person wouldn’t pursue stardom and all its trappings. Yet look how many ambitious people, motivated by some combination of greed and the desperate need to be noticed, try to establish notoriety.
But to paraphrase Mark Twain, that theory, like all other generalizations, isn’t always true. There are plenty of celebrities whose lives are free of scandal, and who give far more than they take from society.
Exhibit A: Oprah Winfrey.
Best known for her success as, among other things, a talk show host, an actress, a producer, a philanthropist, and a media executive, Ms. Winfrey has also authored nine books. One piece, an aptly-titled, five-inch by seven-inch, 228-pager called, “What I Know for Sure,” is filled entirely with essays about things she’s certain she knows for a fact.
But what, some may ask, does a multi-gazillionaire who lives in a villa on Maui know about everyday life? Well, as it turns out, plenty.
Ms. Winfrey wasn’t born to wealth, privilege, or fame. On the contrary: as a child she bounced between living situations, alternately abused or ignored by those close to her. Teased by peers for her poverty, she was a runaway at 13, and a year later gave birth to an infant who died shortly thereafter. Oprah doesn’t possess “typical celebrity” roots, assuming such things actually exist.
“What I Know for Sure” eloquently but clearly espouses the value of joy, resilience, connection, gratitude, possibility, awe, clarity, and power in everyday life. Its short, thought-provoking essays are personal in nature, but never preachy or egocentric.
While the primary target audience of “What I Know for Sure” is most likely women, the wisdom Oprah shares is relevant for everyone, even veteran, lifelong males (full disclosure: this writer).
Oprah knows for sure that whatever one puts into life is what she (or he) gets back from it. She’s learned there is no strength without challenge, adversity, resistance, and (often) pain.
She knows love is all around, and that if one can survive 11 days in cramped quarters with a friend and come out laughing, that friendship is real. She’s certain the results of making time for a little gratitude every day are amazing, and that it truly is better to give than to receive.
Oprah knows for sure that removing fear brings life’s answers into focus. Whatever it is one fears has no power–but fear has power. She correctly reasons the thing itself cannot touch you, but each time you give in to fear, you lose strength, while your fear gains it.
Oprah knows for sure that if you can get paid for doing what you love, every paycheck is a bonus. She’s certain it’s an awesome gift to be alive, and that until one has achieved true clarity on an issue, doing nothing is often the best policy.
She knows humans sometimes travel far more difficult paths than necessary, and that once one accepts she (or he) is a kind, decent, and giving person, there is no longer anything to prove. They are no longer afflicted with the “disease to please,” and can be confident without fearing people saying, “Who does she think she is?” because she has the courage to stand and say, “This is who I am.”
Moreover, Oprah knows for sure life is better once one loses the “desire to acquire.” Having the best objects is no substitute for having the best life. (Or, “He who dies with the most toys is still dead.”)
Oprah’s sure doing one’s best is the most fulfilling path to personal freedom. And she knows for a fact living by the Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) is the right thing for all concerned. She’s also realized there is never any “them”; there’s only “us.”
Oprah’s articulate musings are simple, brilliant, and simply brilliant. One thing I know for sure….everyone should take the time to read “What I Know for Sure.”
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