Gratitude: Radical Thinking

Le Guin Series: Chapter 11, Verse 4

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Find that activity, that subject you love, and get paid for it. A myth that few, if ever any, call out for it is a time-honoured illusion, hanging out there like a mirage pulling us on into what turns out to be a dessert. At best, getting paid to do what you love is a half-truth. We do what we do with the people we do it with so we can do other things.

Maybe you think that is a mundane observation from a known cynical observer of lives. Someone on the record admitting he asked for everything he got, even revelling in the action, picking his way through the cacophony of voices prodding him on, side-stepping the quieter voices advising caution. An American buffalo in a China shop.

Nevertheless, I made a mistake early, and repeated it often. One that could be avoided, can be corrected, while there is still time.

THE USES OF NOT

Thirty spokes meet in the hub. Where the wheel isn’t is where it is useful.

Hollowed out, clay makes a pot. Where the pot’s not is where it is useful.

Cut doors and windows to make a room. Where the room isn’t, there’s room for you.