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The Meaning of Life? (Reply to this comment)
by the_gas_man
Hi Peter,
Sorry I was late to read this gem, but it seems to have slipped past me, until this morning.
I think, for me, this came pretty darn close to answering my proverbial quest for the "meaning of life". Although you may have had another motive for writing it.
I should leave my comment at that, but could not resist responding to "Terri's" previous comments.
"Our kids, while valuing a formal education, understand that hands on learning is just as valuable. Heck, my youngest makes as much or more than his older siblings due to learning the trade of heating and air conditioning! Even he recognizes the need to keep up with the changing market and is looking at going to school for some book knowledge."
First, I don't believe you meant to imply in your essay that getting a good trade education could be as valuable in terms of earning power, as say a PHD in Macro Economics (whatever that is).
Second, as someone who has spent the better part of the past half century in the HVAC trades, I kind of resent the exclamation point at the end of heating and air conditioning. However, perhaps I am being overly sensitive.
Third, and Terri may not even recognize it, why refer to an HVAC trained son with the phrase, "Even he recognizes the need to keep up..."etc.? It kind of makes him sound mentally challenged, when he could very well be the brightest bulb on the tree. Now, I know, I'm being overly sensitive.
Peter, what I believe you were expressing here was the need to follow our interests without specific regards for monetary rewards, as they shall surely follow. I happen to be a lifetime subscriber to your views that " If the learning is for the right reason the learner will become even more invigorated by the prospect of enhanced knowledge in that field – and that is where new and often great discoveries come from. More than just agree with you, actually Peter, that statement describes my early life in the HVAC industry.
Having entered into it, on chance and circumstance, I began by treating it as just another job until the next one came along. By chance I discovered I really cared about it and wanted to know more, I took night courses, worked late and arrived early every day with enthusiasm. By the time I was 30 years old I was the general manager of a private research and development company, conducting leading edge work on the next generation of gas and oil burning domestic and light commercial heating equipment. Combustion technology, operating efficiencies and new applications of thermodynamics became my life and many prototypes of fuel burning equipment were not just projects to me, but extensions of me and my imagination. During those days it was not unusual for me to work 7 days a week and put in over 100 hours a week without a thought and sometimes without even realizing it.
Suffice to say, I have enjoyed the better part of my life's work and in all modesty, I was good at it, with even a few patents penned in my name, that saw their way into production. Would I have been as successful if I had approached it as merely a means to make some money? Not a chance.
Sorry for the long winded comment Peter, but as you seem to know, the meaning of life isn't just a one liner.
I hope you are well. Looking forward to your next installment...
Best regards,
The Gasman
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Nov 18 '08
7:43 am PST
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Thank you (Reply to this comment)
by Mimi369
It's great to read you again!
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Jun 22 '08
12:25 pm PDT
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A kinds of learning (Reply to this comment)
by terrid
I am so lucky that my parents installed a love of all learning in me. My dad was in the Navy for 26 years and after retirement started his own business restoring historical houses and doing general repairs on others. My mom is a registered nurse. The valued not only book learning but hands on learning. I was encouraged to attend college but worked with my dad learning a trade. Like my parents, I attended college and did get a degree while my husband joined the military. He now works doing testing at construction sites while I'm a postmaster. Our kids, while valuing a formal education, understand that hands on learning is just as valuable. Heck, my youngest makes as much or more than his older siblings due to learning the trade of heating and air conditioning! Even he recognizes the need to keep up with the changing market and is looking at going to school for some book knowledge. It's the combination of learning and the wanting to know that truly gets us out of our silos and maybe out into the field that surrounds us.
Terri
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Jun 08 '08
4:44 am PDT
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I have LONG said... (Reply to this comment)
by Schlamozzel
That An education does NOT make a man. But a man should make what he can from his education! And this rule holds so VERY true, my dear old trusted friend.
I have known persons with PhD. degrees who can't manage enough brains to FART. And history is LITTERED with examples such as the American inventor and innovator Thomas Edison. He was thrown out of school at the second grade because the teachers said he was, "addled". (Means crazy or what we now know is "Autistic")
I share your sentiments here inasmuch as people need to wake up and use their brains. COMMON SENSE does work.
Thank GOD I have found you, and found you well dear friend. I am back now and here I shall remain.
Cheers,
Schlamozzel
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Feb 27 '08
7:09 am PST
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OOOOOH. (Reply to this comment)
by berniez40
I truly lied this one. This is one of your finest pieces for too many reasons to be mentioned in such a small space...Maeanwhile I'll just say--"Thanks for a great read!", and head back to my own little silo.
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Jan 30 '08
11:53 am PST
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Re: One of the advantages of aging... (Reply to this comment)
by SMITHSWOODSIDE
Thanks Nick - and so well stated.
Peter
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Jan 28 '08
2:30 pm PST
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One of the advantages of aging... (Reply to this comment)
by NFP
...other than the obvious one of not being dead (assuming one feels one's life has been worth living) is precisely this point you make:
"[R]ather than laud academic education for academic education’s sake, we would be much better advised to laud knowledge and awareness."
As opposed to professional studies in a post-grad program, part of the benefit of an undergraduate liberal arts education is that helps break down silos due to the combination of right brain and left brain function, and the broadening of one's abilities and interests that entails through exposure to the collective wisdom of our past. If all you have been set on since youth is being a doctor, or a lawyer, or an engineer, or a financial planner...and your school and undergraduate college education is focused on that from the get-go...your life is more likely to be siloed (read that as circumscribed). Even those without a complete formal undergrad education who have been exposed to reading and writing and art and thinking through mentors or innate curiosity, are more likely to have broad horizons in life than a Phd. with a narrow focus.
And finally, I have had the good fortune in middle age to be able to rebound from some personal failures and disappointments over the past five years through some concentrated (and lovingly guided) efforts at increased awareness of myself and others. My only regret is that I didn't do it earlier. Perchance I wasn't ready for it, anyway. As one gets older, with luck one learns lessons that allow us to broaden our perspectives during our "second" chances at life.
Breaking down silos is one of the great personal (and professional, too) challenges of our time. You are so right, Peter!
nick
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Jan 28 '08
8:36 am PST
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Hi and (Reply to this comment)
by jo.com
welcome back:) Jo
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Jan 27 '08
4:56 pm PST
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We used to call (Reply to this comment)
by susiewho
those with extremely high IQ's but less than stellar common sense 'high IQ morons"
My Phi Beta Kappa best friend kept her new born child in the dark because it eliminthe child was light sensitiveated he need to open the windows...
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Jan 27 '08
1:24 pm PST
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Amazing (Reply to this comment)
by grandgram
A truly great piece of who you want to be in your Silo. We all have our place and means of develop ourself in our own way. That is why one never should stop learning new things the brain is ever wanting to work and produce.
Great hearing from you and know your life is ever growing and producing. Same here as life is just a piece of Chocolate.
Letta
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Jan 26 '08
6:33 am PST
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