posted
My cousin, whose little boy turns five this coming year, has asked me (ME, of all people!) to give her bits of wisdom for her kid when he gets a bit older and can read, as well as for her to remember and teach him.
So, besides "stay away from your Uncle Rob, he's a looney," I came up with five things. Anybody else want to give some thoughts to the kid?
1.) READ. Read as much as you can, about everything you can. Never let anybody tell you what you are allowed to read or think or know. Anyone who does is trying to enslave you, even though he may not think so himself.
2.) When you were very young, you drove people nuts always asking "why?" and "what for?" Don't ever stop. Asking why may get you a lot of angry glares, or worse (look up 'Socrates' when you get older). These will come mostly from people who either have no idea what they're talking about, or do, but are lying.
3.) Treat women with kindness, respect, and care, and you'll see that the ones worth finding will eventually seek YOU out. It may take a while for them to get around to it, though. Have patience.
4.) Do unto others the way you would lke them to do unto you... as long as they do the same unto you. If someone does poorly by you, forgive them... the first time. Let them know that their chances are limited. (Hurt me once, forgive you. Hurt me twice, forget you.)
5.) 80% of the people who tell you that THEY know better than you what is good for you are LYING. 80% of the rest are WRONG. Your mother is probably not one of these people, but take care even still.
------------------ Calvin: "No efficiency, no accountability... I tell you, Hobbes, it's a lousy way to run a Universe." -- Bill Watterson
posted
Don't tolerate ignorance, in yourself or in others. See my signature... :-)
Don't hate people for something that isn't their fault.
Learn, not because you're forced to, but for the sake of knowledge itself.
Someone whose name escapes me at the moment once said something like this, but I'm going to change it a little: Look at what is and ask "why?". Then look at what isn't and ask "why not?".
People are stupid. Don't do what they do, just to be like them, because it's probably better not to be like them.
Boldly go where no-one has gone before.
------------------ "'...This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it!' cried the Spirit stretching out its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse. And abide the end!'" -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
posted
*was almost tempted to say "Always wear sunscreen.", but thought better of it* :-)
------------------ "'...This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it!' cried the Spirit stretching out its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse. And abide the end!'" -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
posted
"Some people see things that have been done and ask 'Why?'. But I dream things that were never made and I ask 'Why Not?'"
I think it was some famous president or something. *shrugs*
I think you should add something about religions to that, First.... something like "Don't let anyone tell you what religions is right or the best or good, and don't let anyone tell you that you NEED a religion".
posted
I don't think it was a president. I do think, though, that it was somebody w/ three names (i.e. they are usually known w/ their middle name intact).
And, regarding the religion thing, how about "Religion is a surmountable archetype which is often little more than an excuse for people to hate each other or a means by which one person controls another. You're better off without it."
------------------ "'...This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it!' cried the Spirit stretching out its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse. And abide the end!'" -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
posted
"Religion is a surmountable archetype which is often little more than an excuse for people to hate each other or a means by which one person controls another. You're better off without it."
Uh... not everybody uses it like that, you know.
------------------ Elim Garak: "Oh, it's just Garak. Plain, simple Garak. Now, good day to you, Doctor. I'm so glad to have made such an... interesting new friend today." (DS9: "Past Prologue")
posted
Or, in the words of former president George Bush, "Chivalry is only reasonably dead." :-)
------------------ "'...This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it!' cried the Spirit stretching out its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse. And abide the end!'" -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
posted
Yes, and a myriad of other devices. Which is a good way to do it, as opposed to not stating that the poor child does have a choice and that all religion for every purpose is naughty.
------------------ Elim Garak: "Oh, it's just Garak. Plain, simple Garak. Now, good day to you, Doctor. I'm so glad to have made such an... interesting new friend today." (DS9: "Past Prologue")
Learn from other's mistakes, better yet learn from your own.
Remember that you have to live your life or it will pass you by.
Shut up and listen, you might learn something.
Learn History so you don't repeat the lessions of the past.
Go outside and play, your only young once.
Whatever you do keep learning, knowledge is power.
Do on to others as you would do on to yourself.
Love yourself.
Listen to your parents, sometimes they actually give good advice.
Love your family, one day they be gone.
My only question is now when will I follow my own advice .
------------------ "Think of all the delightful aspects of the reproductive process: menstruation, pregnancy, labor. And the part we're trying to eliminate is sex?" Cecil Adams the guy who does Straight Dope.
Printer-friendly view of this topic
