[editor's note: I apologize for taking so long to post something. If you're wondering about the lack thereof, imagine it's like writer's block with a twist: the block is huge and made of sand. The grains of sand keep blowing away, but soon as the block is completely eroded, it returns; repeat.-brant]
The following began as a communique to a long-time friend of mine, but then it seemed like something to share with others as well.
To : you@localhost
Cc :
Attchmnt:
Subject : dude redux
----- Message Text -----
Because I know you, and because I know myself, it only takes a little introspection to see how or why you might respond to my previous message.
I was thinking the other night about how to effect change in others. In my experience, the only proven method is for me to change myself first, from within. This notion isn’t new by any means. Once I change myself, then I can show someone else how to change as well.
My current vocation is to train humans* to troubleshoot and resolve a variety of technical issues. In doing so, I frequently encounter this phrase:
“I would assume…”
In my experience, assumptions are quite prevalent. One of my teachers always told his class: “Don’t make assumptions!” As his pupil, I didn’t really understand the reasoning for this. It wasn’t directly related to the course material; more of a general mantra. Looking back through my memory, the reason is clear: he taught Language Arts. It’s worth noting that this particular instructor had a wooden stick in the classroom. At the end of the stick, a wooden apple was glued on. If I researched a suitable term for this “apple stick”, I’d feel like this post was cheated [editor's note to self: This is a topic to type about on another day. -brant]. Alas, its primary function was to wake sleeping students. If someone was caught napping, his desk would be rapped with the apple stick. As an adult, I look back at this and wonder if this behavior would fly in today’s classroom; probably not, but it’s not what stands out the most to me. If you thought otherwise, then guess what you just made.
To assume is to proceed without full knowledge. Wouldn’t you rather know than act otherwise?
<postsomethingfinallygorrammt />
*Species is presumed to be human; only rudimentary intelligence tests are given, which may prove otherwise. Of course, all sentient life is welcome to apply; see what I did there?
