5 Comments
User's avatar
Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

You tucked a lot into this writing Stew, ideas which, in my estimation, could become essays unto themselves. unstructured time, work ethic (and its possibly deleterious effects), healthcare/insurance, autonomy & self sufficiency (and their possibly deleterious effects), courtesy, and of course justice. Jim and I reflect often on the four phases of a life, an approach we first leaned from Dick's memorial service. I appreciate the word "anti-exemplar" and the call to examine what we do with our power. Examples of what to do and not do are before us at all times. All we have to do is be open to discovery and to applying what we learn.

Thanks for all the thought-branches you pointed out for climbing here. Also, for the record, that sunrise or sunset image messed with my head! 😅

Expand full comment
Meanwhile, Elsewhere's avatar

Thanks, E. There IS a lot in that little post. “Thought branches to climb on” is a nice idea. The Graham kids remember Dick’s 4 phases as being from Plato, but I could not find a source. It seems to be a Stoic idea, not a platonic one. It’s sweet that you remember it from his service so long an ago.

Expand full comment
Lynne Dale's avatar

Lovely, just lovely!

Expand full comment
Meanwhile, Elsewhere's avatar

Thanks, Lynne!

Expand full comment
Beth Peyton's avatar

I liked this a lot, Stewart. Thoughtful and right. Sharing with my husband.

Expand full comment