Thomas Lunde wrote:
>
> Dear Barry:
>
> I have been missing your clear voice of reason for a long time. I
> have always liked your idea of durability
[snip]
I second that motion!
One of the benefits of working on things that endure is the
good feelings the activity gives to the worker.
I also recall something Peter Drucker wrote:
Cleverness carries the day,
But wisdom endureth.
I also remember the example of the 14th century craftsman,
Goivanni de Dondi, who spent *13 years* building a (ca. 35 inch
high) astronomical clock (there is a replica of it in the
collection of the Smithsonian Institution). Fortunately,
there is now a fine web site about this clock:
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hall/3551/copiainglpresastr.htm
Also, let me cite the advertising slogan for Patek Philippe
watches:
You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely take
care of it for the next generation.
In my opinion, only things which either meet that criterion, or,
as "consumables" (e.g., food), *contribute* to the further
realization of such things in the world, deserve to exist.
As for everything else, I think of some words from Sophocles'
Oedipus at Colonus (taken out of context):
Best of all [for them] never to have been born;
Second best [for them] to have seen the light
and gone back swiftly whence they came.
\brad mccormick
--
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thes 5:21)
Brad McCormick, Ed.D. / [EMAIL PROTECTED]
914.238.0788 / 27 Poillon Rd, Chappaqua, NY 10514-3403 USA
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