Photographed by Guy Mills (Natl. Geographic)

9.07.09

“One who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; one who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.”  Chinese Proverb

They say don’t ask dumb questions, don’t rock the boat, it’s all good.  Well, I think that attitude comes from getting so stuck in one’s own trip you forget that other’s have opinions. Whether it’s on the job or in the classroom, I’ve always found it’s bettter to force the question out–even at the risk of a little conflict.  Thus, avoiding the absolute embarassing moment that proves, once and for all time, not only to them but also to yourself, that you, indeed, prefer others sitting on your head!

9.05.09

“Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.”  Anton Chekov (Russian playwright and master of the short story)

If I don’t use what I’ve learned, why should I bother to remember anything at all?  My mother would always stop us squabbling kids with, “Christ says to forgive and forget.” Boy howdy, how that last part did hurt!  Most of whatever I did to my brothers was based upon clear memory and pure retaliation.  That was my well of knowledge.  And now this Jesus Christ was kicking my butt with lessons.  Well, as I grew into “Christianity” I finally got the big picture.  I realized I could forget the anger I felt toward Roy and Vern, but that I’d still be able to kick their butts teaching them lessons!