The more I learn, the
less I realize I know.”
- Socrates
My friend Bill and I talk about this all the time on our Saturday morning video calls. “This” being that everything we know or 'think we know' is the result of the ‘glasses’ through which we see the world and the focal point that brings clarity.
Clarity is a strange word for us because we are old fellows…me in my late 70s, he his early 80s. The unplanned topics are varied and usually lively. In our golden years (a 'lie of the devil' and patronizing expression), we talk about relevance. You know, at this time in life, how do we fit in.
On the other hand, as we continue this nearly two-decade weekly exploration of one another, the most common topic is how little we know about anything!
Time on planet influences the focal point of our lives. This is a kind of paradox because as the roots in the neural understory of our minds become more intertwined, our peripheral vision expands. This expansion opens a larger view of the universe around us, which, in turn, suggests that, in comparison to the 'what is,' we are relatively ignorant.
For some, the realization of how much there is overloads the system. It’s easier to settle in, find a comfort zone, and stop the journey. I mean — isn't enough, enough?
The danger at this point is that we accept: 'We see what we look for; we find what we know,' close our eyes and take a nap.
That would not be us.
Our weekly calls provide a barrier to entry to giving up and settling. We partner, support, explore, discuss, and share the things we continue to strive to learn…recognizing, as much as possible, the vastness of it all.
Reminders along the way…
I have lots of short sayings posted around my desk. They are there to remind me of the importance of continuing to lean into life. Here are a few brief ones worth sharing:
· “Don’t believe everything you think”
· “Beware of simple solutions”
· “Science is a process”
· “I’m sorry, I was wrong, I need help, and I don’t know”
One of my favorite postings is a chicken cartoon by Doug Savage on wisdom (https://www.savagechickens.com/2013/08/how-to-acquire-wisdom.html).
“Repeat steps 1-5 for the rest of your life.”
Yeah, that’s the ticket…heads up, look around, fall down, keep getting up, and take the next step because I'm pretty sure that chicken is right!
- ted
Chickens are right .. That's why they crossed the road
ReplyDeleteSocrates was right or was he…
ReplyDeleteWell, theoretically...but my life experience suggests he was...
DeleteSocrates was right or was he…
ReplyDeleteIt's just turned 54 years since we first bumped into each other. I remember a conversation we once had in Morgantown, WV, in 1972. Even then you seeking an answer for what and why.
ReplyDeleteI recall the joining the Hare Krishnas was still an option.
Well, the answer my friend is blowin' in the wind. Thank you Peter Yarrow RIP. But the answer will depend on whether the wind is blowing in your face in Baltimore, Bangladesh, Beijing, Brisbane, Baghdad or Bombay, whether you are in rags or riches, and whether you have the means to feed those who depend on you. Here endeth the lesson.
It's hard to believe, MIchael, it has been that long, but yes I have always wondered...By now, however, the universe of my curiosities, has expanded considerably, meaning I know way less, relatively speaking, than I did then...AND then, there wasn't much in my head to think about...:-)
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