Quote:
|
Originally Posted by lurkette
Sometimes it's good to listen to the experience of others - it can save you pain. But it can also keep you in a safe and dull existence. Their circumstance may not have been exactly like yours, and who knows what wisdom you're going to get from the experience you have, good or bad? I think the key to wisdom is knowing when to take good advice and when to ignore it. Sometimes you have to touch the stove yourself to learn that it's hot.
|
I like your thinking. I have an aversion to dull. I, and most of my generation, have always refered to the listen versus experience thing as the "School of Hard Knocks". I have been going to this school for some time now and, yes, it hurts or costs money every now and again but for that I experience life for my self. I agree about the "Key to Wisdom", but every now and again I have to touch the stove to validate what I'm being told is true.
I've tried to pass on some of my experience to my three daughters, but like their old man, they have alread enrolled in the "school". I do get the occasional "well, I guess you were right" call. It hurts me sometimes to know that they may have suffered needlessly but they chose their own life just as you and I do.
I have faithfully attended the "school" for almost 52 years and I still don't want to quit. I listen about the really dangerous stuff, wear a seat belt and all that, but as long as I'm kicking I'll probably keep touching the stove now and again. It's one way I know I'm still alive and enjoying life.