If I may make a fatherly request? Treat yourself and conduct yourself as a polymath.
Perhaps you’ve already realized you possess that trait.
Now, I don’t care for the conventional definition of a polymath that connotes deep level knowledge in a few subjects. Being very good at chemistry, physics and algebra, while impressive, is often (not always) a skill set of a similar thing. Just like knowing how to sing, dance and play instruments, again while impressive, is really what an entertainer should be able to do.
Have the ability to be functionally excellent at many, many things. To nurture a skill set of reasoning that may allow you to develop a broad conceptual (which often takes great effort) understanding of just about anything you encounter and then if the need or desire arises, dive deep into the details and go look for the devil.
Functional awareness then perhaps functional excellence and only total mastery if that’s what you specifically desire.
This can provide a template for creativity and practical challenge solving synthesis from different fields of knowledge. To appreciate life even more, when possible.
It’s not free though. The more you do this, the more you develop your aptitude in this approach, the more you will be amazed at the number of mistakes you will make.
Obviously, this will create feelings of confusion and disappointment. All completely natural.
If I may suggest a helpful protocol that is borne of much practice. If you can’t laugh at yourself right away because you have committed a whopper, do this instead.
Allow for the wrench of anguish. Wallow for a while feeling sorry for yourself. Feel ridiculous. Accept full responsibility. Learn, then laugh at yourself knowing that more are on their way.
But it’s my observation you have enough of a golden retriever in you, to not let any of this take the wind out of your sails. And, you’re enough of a humanitarian to keep counsel to yourself and look for a way to enjoy the people that don’t wish to live this type of approach.
Don’t be a warrior poet.
Don’t be a philosopher king.
Don’t be an artistic scientist.
Instead, be all of those things.
And yes yes, be able to pay the bills, clean the toilet and all that other mundane shit we have to do.
Anyway, it’s a beautiful fall day here today and I’m enjoying the company of your mother and feeling the last of this season’s warm breeze swirl around me.
Love you, Dad.
Douglas Miller lives in Greater Sudbury. A rotating stable of community members share their thoughts on anything and everything, the only criteria being that it be thought-provoking. Got something on your mind to share with readers in Greater Sudbury? Climb aboard our Soapbox and have your say. Send material or pitches to [email protected].