“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
I’ve seen that credited to Robert A. Heinlein, although I haven’t yet put my finger on the source material. A splendid manifesto, in any case. I keep a printed copy posted in my workroom.
I think I have a leg up on the list as a result of being a so-called stay-at-home mom for a couple of decades, although I’ve always let someone else do the hog-butchering. Reading that zestful catalogue of skills always inspires me to keep learning, keep my eyes open, reject boredom. Never, never think to myself that I know everything.
New Year’s resolutions, right there – and every day is a new year’s day.
Ellen Kolb 