Speaking as somebody who is 71, I absolutely endorse "Don’t avoidably miss a chance to speak to loved ones." As a boy of 45, I thought I had a pretty good understanding of my parents. I loved to see them, I loved to talk with them. But after they were gone I realized how many things about their lives I never asked them about, from deep things like how they knew they wanted to get married to trivial things like why one wall of my bedroom (in the house they designed) was made of concrete rather than drywall. How, given that they met in Albuquerque and my dad did his PhD in Minneapolis, did my sister and I come to be born in Denver?
My mom died 25 years ago and my dad 15, and there still doesn't a month go by that a question like this doesn't occur to me.
Much truth in this. I am bothered and depressed more as I get older by people's failure or unwillingness to observe your rule "don’t make unfashionable claims if they are untrue". I'd add to the injunction to write every day the supporting fact that it will make you better at it, always and every time.
Being nearly 15 years further down the road, I've boiled lessons down and I think you can't go too wrong with the following:
1. Don't put things off. There's no reason you should, but you could die tomorrow. Or in the next half-hour. You probably won't but life isn't a dress rehearsal, it's opening night and the end of run. JFDI.
2. Always be learning. About anything and everything. If you're not curious, what's the point?
3. Try to say "yes" to things more often than "no", but say "no" straight away if you'll end up saying it.
4. Be kind (properly, not the SJW "Be kind!"). Everything else is conditional.
Lesson 18 would rule out watching Twin Peaks The Return which is one of the greatest tv shows of all time. A glimpse of what television would be if society wasn’t ruled by the profit motive and we just gave artistic geniuses the resources to do whatever they wanted. I do get that the second half of season 2 loses its way tho.
Wishing you the best on your birthday. FWIW I've come to develop a good respect for your writing and your point of view. I also think it's neat that you live in Poland.
Speaking as somebody who is 71, I absolutely endorse "Don’t avoidably miss a chance to speak to loved ones." As a boy of 45, I thought I had a pretty good understanding of my parents. I loved to see them, I loved to talk with them. But after they were gone I realized how many things about their lives I never asked them about, from deep things like how they knew they wanted to get married to trivial things like why one wall of my bedroom (in the house they designed) was made of concrete rather than drywall. How, given that they met in Albuquerque and my dad did his PhD in Minneapolis, did my sister and I come to be born in Denver?
My mom died 25 years ago and my dad 15, and there still doesn't a month go by that a question like this doesn't occur to me.
Moving thoughts, Doctor Mist. I've thought (and will soon write) the same since my mother died.
Here's to the next 35!
So will you learn 35 different things or just make sure you keep drinking the water between the alcohol? 😉
Thank you Harry! Hopefully some new non-alcohol or water related lessons will come up.
Much truth in this. I am bothered and depressed more as I get older by people's failure or unwillingness to observe your rule "don’t make unfashionable claims if they are untrue". I'd add to the injunction to write every day the supporting fact that it will make you better at it, always and every time.
Being nearly 15 years further down the road, I've boiled lessons down and I think you can't go too wrong with the following:
1. Don't put things off. There's no reason you should, but you could die tomorrow. Or in the next half-hour. You probably won't but life isn't a dress rehearsal, it's opening night and the end of run. JFDI.
2. Always be learning. About anything and everything. If you're not curious, what's the point?
3. Try to say "yes" to things more often than "no", but say "no" straight away if you'll end up saying it.
4. Be kind (properly, not the SJW "Be kind!"). Everything else is conditional.
Well put!
Happy birthday Ben! I hope you’re drinking lots of water to celebrate.
Thanks Ellen! I forgot that one ...
And Happy Birthday!
Lesson 18 would rule out watching Twin Peaks The Return which is one of the greatest tv shows of all time. A glimpse of what television would be if society wasn’t ruled by the profit motive and we just gave artistic geniuses the resources to do whatever they wanted. I do get that the second half of season 2 loses its way tho.
Happy birthday (however late the greeting, the sentiment applies). I would love to be 35 again.
There’s no 29 and 30. 🙃
Huh! I must have deleted them by mistake. Thanks!
Dude, maybe you need to drink less alcohol?
Hm, should have been one of the lessons ...
And thank you!
Wishing you the best on your birthday. FWIW I've come to develop a good respect for your writing and your point of view. I also think it's neat that you live in Poland.
Thank you Mark! That's very kind
Very nice. Happy birthday!
Thank you very much!