Father’s Day Top Ten for 2008
June15
It is Father’s Day in the United States. I am not there currently, but it is where I am from. Even though it is not being celebrated where I am now, I thought I would post some fatherly advice.
To all the good fathers out there–thanks for taking time to love your kids and be there for them. This is a tribute to you.
- Return borrowed things in better shape than when you borrowed them.
- There are two types of trouble…one is the trouble you knowingly walk into, the other is trouble that just happens…it’s important to know the difference.
- Walk softly but carry a big stick.
- If you have to use said stick, make sure the one you use it on doesn’t get up.
- Everyone is a friend until proven otherwise.
- Don’t watch the clock when you’re at work.
- That which does not kill you will hurt like the dickens, but it will make you stronger.
- Family is the most important thing on earth.
- If you don’t know something, go to the library (or the internet) and learn it.
- There is a difference between an excuse and a reason; know it.
My wife is concerned about #4. Let me explain…I’m not advocating killing or severely injuring people for sport or fun. I’m saying that if there is a threat of imminent danger to your person, you need to neutralize that threat in a way that keeps it from hitting you in the back two seconds later.
I advocate avoiding a fight as long as genuinely possible, but when you are cornered, and you have to fight, then fight to win, not just to score points or look good.
That is actually more merciful as it ends the conflict sooner and more completely. Then you can get (hopefully) to the more compassionate work of rebuilding, or at least get away as safely and quickly as possible.
I kind of hoped that by following it with #5 I would be balancing the idea a bit…
Re #9 - I heard an old saying again today:
The more you know, the more you know you don’t know.
Both are true, I feel
I’d like to add some.
1, Think before doing.
2, If you’re wrong admit it.
3, Tell as few lies as possible.
4, Stick to your guns.
5, Listen instead of talking.
6, Smile.
7, Say what you think.
8, Be polite.
9, Re-pay debts.
10, Love those who love you and care about those who do not.
ayenack: those are excellent additions. Thank you!
One last one.
1,man command | lpr
1.1,man command > manpage.txt
1.1a,PRINT MAN PAGES.
LOL.
And Mathew thank you for your caring attitude.
Something someone said to me the other day. As best I can remember.
“No obstacles only solutions.”
Sorry Mathew should be Matthew.
“There is a difference between an excuse and a reason; know it.”
Thanks for that one.