top of page
Peter Isaac Harley

#1: Life isn't Fair

Updated: Oct 9, 2023


The concept of fairness in life can be disappointing. Don't expect others to do right by you, even if you consistently do right by them. – Peter Isaac Harley


In the small, picturesque town of Millbrook, where life seemed idyllic, there lived a young man named Ethan. From an early age, he had been instilled with the values of fairness, kindness, and integrity. Ethan firmly believed that treating others with respect and doing right by them would create a harmonious and just society.


As Ethan grew older, his unwavering belief in fairness was put to the test. He started a career in the corporate world, where competition and self-interest often prevailed. However, he remained steadfast in his conviction that doing right by others would yield positive outcomes.


Ethan's colleagues admired his work ethic and genuine concern for their well-being. He always went the extra mile to support his team, mentor newcomers, and foster a collaborative environment. Despite facing occasional setbacks and disappointments, Ethan continued to treat others with fairness, hoping that his actions would inspire others to do the same.


One day, a promotion opportunity arose within the company. Ethan had poured countless hours into his work, surpassing targets and proving his capabilities. He felt confident that his dedication and consistent track record of doing right by others would make him the obvious choice for the promotion. However, his hopes were shattered when the position was awarded to a colleague known for their political maneuvering rather than genuine merit.


Ethan was crestfallen. The harsh reality had dawned on him: the concept of fairness in life can be disappointing. He had expected others to do right by him, just as he consistently did right by them. But it seemed that fairness was not always reciprocated in the world he inhabited.


Disheartened but undeterred, Ethan refused to let this setback define him. He recognized that while he couldn't control the actions of others, he could control his own. He refused to let bitterness consume him, choosing instead to rise above the disappointment and persevere.


Ethan's reputation for fairness and integrity spread beyond the confines of the corporate world. People from all walks of life sought his guidance and support. He became a beacon of hope and an advocate for justice, tirelessly working towards creating a more equitable society.


Through his endeavors, Ethan discovered that his actions, though not always immediately rewarded, had a profound impact on those around him. His consistent dedication to doing right by others had sparked a ripple effect, inspiring people to reevaluate their own behavior and strive for fairness.


Years later, at an industry conference, Ethan found himself sharing a panel with renowned author and motivational speaker, Peter Isaac Harley. In a moment of vulnerability, Ethan opened up about his experiences and the wisdom he had gained. Quoting Peter's words, he shared, "The concept of fairness in life can be disappointing. Don't expect others to do right by you, even if you consistently do right by them."


The audience listened intently, captivated by Ethan's story. It was a powerful reminder that the disappointments of fairness should not deter individuals from doing what is right. Ethan's journey had taught him that while others might not always reciprocate fairness, his actions had the potential to shape a more compassionate and just world.


In that room, hearts were touched, and a new wave of inspiration was born. Ethan's tale, coupled with Peter's words, ignited a collective resolve to prioritize fairness and integrity in their own lives. They understood that despite the occasional disappointments, their actions had the power to create a profound and lasting impact on the world around them.


From that day forward, Ethan's story and Peter's quote became intertwined, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of doing right by others, even in a world where fairness can be elusive. Together, they became beacons of hope, guiding countless individuals on a path toward a fairer and more compassionate existence.


Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction created with the assistance of AI tools. Any resemblance to actual events, persons, or entities is purely coincidental. All rights to this story are reserved, and no part may be reproduced without prior written permission.

© [2023] [Peter Isaac Harley / Harley Corporation]











228 views4 comments

Recent Posts

See All

4 Comments


vde.stoffels
Sep 06, 2023

Stoicism with long white beards teaches us to accept that life is not fair, focus on what we can control, and not let what we can't control upset us………..Do not expect anything in return for your actions. This means that we should not do things in order to get something in return, such as praise, recognition, or material possessions. Instead, we should do things because they are the right thing to do or because they bring us joy.

Do not let the things that are outside of your control upset you. Instead, we should focus on the things that we can control, such as our own thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Accept that life is a bitch ………difficult lesson to learn,…

Like
Peter Harley
Peter Harley
Sep 06, 2023
Replying to

Absolutely, Vivian! Your insight on Stoicism is spot on. Embracing the philosophy of focusing on what we can control and not expecting anything in return for our actions leads to a more content and fulfilling life. Accepting life's unfairness is indeed a tough but valuable lesson that frees us to pursue our values and happiness without unnecessary frustration. Well said! 👏😊

Like

Jared-Ethan Harley
Jared-Ethan Harley
Sep 06, 2023

Interesting point of view.


Contrary to the message, I'm currently reading the 48 rules of power, and one of the quotes that stand out is "Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good."


What are your thoughts on that?

Like
Peter Harley
Peter Harley
Sep 06, 2023
Replying to

Great question Jared. The quote suggests that in a world where not everyone follows moral principles, those who consistently do may face challenges or exploitation. It highlights the complex dynamics between ethics and success in various contexts.


Ethics and success often involve a delicate balance, as ethical decisions can sometimes conflict with strategies for achieving personal or professional goals. The impact of ethical choices on success can vary depending on the specific context, highlighting the complexity of navigating these dynamics.


The "good guy" can sometimes come second because they may prioritize ethics and fairness over ruthless or cutthroat tactics that could lead to quicker success in certain competitive situations.


I hope this was helpful.


Like
bottom of page