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A thirst for knowledge is difficult to quench, each incursion into virgin territory fans the flame rather than slakes the thirst. Each ridge climbed displays an enticing vista of further gullies to traverse, revealing more distant ridges which are gained by placing one foot in front of the other.
As one ages, and none more so than when one retires, a mantra is confronted time and again: use it or lose it. Frequently, this slender logic is thrown into an argument as a form of closure against which the respondent must, necessarily, have no come-back, the applicability to the argument being self-evident. It borders upon an inverse ad hominem where the aged-one is denigrated with a feather boa ensuring the lack of relevance to the argument goes unchallenged.
Yet surely, the use of brain and body must commence at birth, to ensure all is not already squandered in the foothills.
4 comments:
It is funny how I can learn new stuff but can't remember old stuff.
“A thirst for knowledge is difficult to quench, each incursion into virgin territory fans the flame rather than slakes the thirst.” – Terrific opening line. Quotable even.
My other favourite line is the last one. Insightful.
It is interesting. I have just written today's Riff (42). I tried to write it last night, but nothing would come. I even considered changing the image. However,this morning it just popped. They are all heading somewhere, this week's Riffs. I just wish I knew where! I know the root cause of the thought pattern, but am like a pig in a turnip patch, rooting around for meaning.
What I like about this one is that is provokes thought. I reminds me of the verse in Ecclesiastes which says, "Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." He was in his pessimistic phase.
But I digress, I am all for using it so as to no lose it but also one of the things I admire about the aged is their happiness with just sitting watching the sunset and contemplating ... and I do believe it is happiness not just because the aches and pains keep them in the chair. So much of our earlier life is just plain too busy (not squandering in the foothills I guess) that there a simple joy in going slow at the same time as the body dictates it must.
I am enjoying a moment of slow savouring your blogs now the visitors have departed.
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