A Second Look

Time was, when I had far less miles and fewer oil changes, I had a mindset that there was a right and wrong to everything. No gray, no pink, no whatever. Serious thought about most anything resulted in a firm resolution, one way or the other. Opinions, filtered through my paradigms, became fact and were stored in a box labeled Conclusions, to be trotted out as supporting evidence whenever challenged. I don't know how many times, over the years, I would open this box, only to find that many of the conclusions contained were, at best, suspect and in many cases obsolete. This however had no profound impact on my system, and new conclusions were always available to replace them. Experience taught me that I was not alone in my mindset. Everyone had one of these boxes and was more then willing to open theirs when occasions demanded. Many an hour was spent making arguments based on preconceived and closely held opinions, arduously focusing on a result instead of the prevailing problem. And we never questioned the ultimate decision. But now, in my later years, I find that while my opinions are still important, they are just that, an opinion. A man much wiser then myself once said “opinions are worth what you pay for them and most people give theirs for free”. Now there are words to live by. Today, either due to circumstance or suspicion, I tend to give most things a second look. I have come to realize that yesterdays grapes are today's raisins. Everything changes, and it is important I change with it. So, if you were to ask me the same question today as you asked yesterday, you very likely will get a different answer. You will write it off to senility. I prefer to think I am still evolving. Just sayin! Bob Quigley Sept 27, 2011