Understanding failure: to move on is to grow

 

(Image generated by me using AI)

Fifth entry: 

"The Shipyard" is far from a hopeful novel. All its characters, the world around them, their lives and motives conjugate in a final that could well ressemble a Greek tragedy. Without delving into spoilers, all I will say is that it seems fate had always conspired against Larsen. What stands out remarkably is Onetti's bold narrative choice to withhold further explanations for the concluding events. This deliberate omission not only intensifies the sense of randomness but also suggests a deeper existential void, insinuating that the occurrences in our lives might be devoid of any true purpose. By leaving these final moments shrouded in ambiguity, Onetti reinforces a haunting perspective: that life, in its essence, may be inherently meaningless.

I believe this is why many people can deeply resonate with this book, if given the opportunity to explore its pages. It captures a profoundly human emotion: the struggle to reconcile with our own vulnerabilities after encountering failure. Let it be known that my intent is not to advocate for any specific philosophical viewpoint. Rather, I seek to examine this feeling from a different lens. The reason for this is no other than, after some personal experiences, I have come to appreciate this book with a new perspective.

First, the obvious. Larsen embodies failure in its starkest form; he is the living testament to unfulfilled attempts and perpetual setbacks. Yet, against all odds, he continues to strive forward, fully aware that each new effort is unlikely to produce a different outcome. At first glance, this relentless pursuit might seem like madness—repeating the same actions and hoping for a change. Something which is true to some extent. However, a different take on this led me to discover a remarkable trait of human spirit: the resilience to persist, to endure, and to find meaning even in the face of inevitable failure. At thte risk of sounding a bit naive, I can assure Larsen's unwavering will to keep pushing through can teach us a thing or two about frustration. 

In reflecting on failure, I firmly believe that feeling upset after falling short of our goals is completely natural. It is human to experience frustration, disappointment, or even disillusionment when the dreams we cherished seem to vanish before our eyes. Now, a first reaction to this would be to blame it on the world, to accuse life of being unfair or cursing our misfortune. And while it is understandable to feel this way, dwelling in this stage is not conducive to our well-being or growth. This is not about adhering to religious or mystical ideologies. This is just the realization I have come to through personal experience:  anger can fuel a much more productive path of action when channeled correctly. Larsen's ventures all inevitably fail, yes, and he curses this world for conspiring against his success. Yet, it is precisely this defiance that drives him to persist. Despite his almost pathological bad luck, Larsen strives to prove to himself that he can overcome these relentless setbacks. If he cannot change the world's course, at the very least, he resolves to change his own narrative.

Therefore, in re-visiting this novel, I found yet a new life lesson and a whole new interpretation of its story. In essence, while it is natural to be disheartened by failure, it is crucial to transform that energy into a force for perseverance and growth. Understanding what we have grown to be ultimately will lead to construct a stronger sense of self.