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Let Us Be Foolish And Go On Errands
We will need essential encouragement from those around us
A fan recently asked his favourite musician if it would be a fool’s errand to start learning the guitar at 60 years of age. The artist said it naturally would be, but that he was enthusiastic about fool’s errands, having decided to become a ceramicist at 63. The one critical element to succeed in them, he added, is encouragement.
From an exceedingly early age, people who are more experienced than us tell us not to make foolish decisions. From the bottom of their hearts and meaning well, adults advise children not to waste time pursuing absurd paths, urging them to follow logical courses with discernible rewards instead. While a degree of direction is recommended for any young life, it is essential not to lose sight of the chaos of creation.
I heard a successful group of creatives recently exclaim that all their best projects started as jokes they would have never imagined would be viable. Yet, they kept at it mostly because they enjoyed being foolish. I understand why a parent would deplore seeing their child waste the opportunity of youth on activities they cannot understand or understand all too well and consider them pointless. Somehow, fewer parents fear the prospect of their children staying the course, toeing the line and meeting…