Keep your feet on the ground, but never be complacent.

This may seem like a non-sequitur from the title above, but this is a classic comedy sketch that helps me to remember an important life concept:

"...Well, I'll do everything humanly possible. Unfortunately, we barbers aren't gods. You know, medicine is not an exact science, but we are learning all the time.

Why, just fifty years ago, they thought a disease like your daughter's was caused by demonic possession or witchcraft. But nowadays we know that Isabelle is suffering from an imbalance of bodily humors, perhaps caused by a toad or a small dwarf living in her stomach."

Theodoric of York, Medieval Barber, as played by Steve Martin, Saturday Night Live, 1977

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I put this quote under my photo in my college yearbook.  Lots of people did that to be amusing or profound.

I put it in to remind myself that my knowledge base is limited, and probably always will be.  In other words, I should be humble.  Someone always knows more than you. 

On the other hand, I shouldn't be complacent in what I do know at present, but should always strive to increase my knowledge base.  

Indeed, I believe that the Judeo-Christian ethic of self improvement is obligatory for every person, if we are to be favorably judged by G-d.  Even for atheists, striving for self-improvement gives life real meaning.

I am profoundly(that is, hit over the head) reminded of these concepts from time to time, although they are never far from my consciousness.  

In my profession, I rose to several positions of authority over the past 17 years, and got very positive feedback from peers and colleagues.  Despite my record and my personal conceit that I was an indispensable member of my team, last July I was laid off.  

My sense of security and complacency (professionally and with regard to providing for my wife and kids) was completely shattered. I ended up working for someone who came from a similar background to myself, but has about 12 years more experience than I do.  I have learned so much from my new boss since coming to work for him;  it has been a very humbling experience.  I hope the wisdom of this perspective will stay with me, and I won't ever return to complacency or feel full of myself.

I see every aspect of my life through the same lens: keep your feet on the ground, but never be complacent. For instance:

1. I can never know or learn enough history.  As George Santayana said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." 
I read both sides of an issue to gain insight, or "know [my] enemy."  I never know where my insight may come from: someone on the left, a neocon, or a libertarian. Same for knowledge of economics, same for religious knowledge.


2. Far far from perfect, I can always be a better dad and husband than I was yesterday.
3. I know how to operate an AR and a .308 MBR, but I know I will never win a National Rifle Championship.  That won't stop me from practising to gain muscle memory and tighten my groups, though...;-)


4. In my lifetime, I can never do enough to limit the size of government.

To some of you, this post may seem silly or preachy, so forgive me for that.  I write this blog as much for my kids to read someday as for anyone interested in my posts.