Not cut out for it

**Posts:** 2821 · by **Roger Elliott** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 9:32 am

I love words...

I was just doing a bit of writing and found myself using the phrase "I am not cut out for that" as part of an example.

It made me think - it's a common piece of language and it implies that we are 'stamped out' of some ethereal dough like a gingerbread man with a cookie cutter.

Another manifestation of this idea is the old "I'm not the sort of person who could do that."

They're sneaky self-limiting statements that are bandied around a little too much I think; although of course there are situations where the "I'm not the sort of person who" would apply:

I am not the sort of person who could be a world-class jockey: my dislike of horses I could get over, but being 6'6" tall is a major hindrance

Just a little bit of musing...

Roger

**Posts:** 2522 · by **kfedouloff** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:34 am

I like wordplay too - and would immediately stop and think about the meaning of "sort of person". Sounds like you could be the sort of person who could overcome their dislike of horses and be a world-class jockey. What's in the way is not the "sort of person" you are but the "size of person" you are!

Kathleen

**Posts:** 2821 · by **Roger Elliott** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 11:37 am

Oh nice Kathleen, very nice.

**Posts:** 492 · by **Mark Tyrrell** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 6:02 pm

Yes language is so important and if we are to (subconsciously) set limits on ourselves then we should, I think, at least be consistant. I recall someone I worked with long ago stating that they 'didn't believe in fate' but then almost in the next breath telling me it was their 'destiny to end up alone without anyone to share my life'. If that's not a belief in fate I don't know what is :!:

Not cut out for it

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