A friend of mine had a very rough day. I say “friend” but what I really mean is mentor. This person influenced me in ways that are difficult to do justice in a few hundred words…but I’m going to try. From him, I learned the absolutely vital importance of keeping reasonable even when those around you are screaming mad. He taught me, through my own screw-ups, that friendship is deep and that redemption is possible. He imparted a deep and abiding love of science and the natural world; this, for me professionally and personally, was one of his greatest gifts. Through science I learned that it’s not a bad thing to be without answers–not striving to know the answers, now that’s a bad thing.
Over the last few years my friend has been treated badly by a small group of small-minded people. Over lunch a year or so ago he was very philosophical about it and exhibited a startling lack of bitterness. Over the last couple of days it all came to a head and those who would prefer ignorance over knowledge finally had their way. My friend, even in the face of this treatment, asked that we not act with hatred and anger but rather that we reach deep within and even though it’s hard, be reasonable. The lessons continue.
27 Comments
i find people like your friend/mentor amazing and they humble me. my grandmother was such a person, never bitter, and always saw the good side to everything. she was always reasonable. life teaches you a lot but such mentors teach you even more. we strive to be good people, kind, loving, reasonable, and sometimes we fail but as you say our lessons continue.
as for the picture Christopher, it is beautiful, hopeful, a touch of soft amidst the rocks which are beautifully shaped and could just as easily be clusters of flowers. how wonderful! have a great weekend.
You are eloquent and your text is inspiring. The image in black and white is stunning and appropriate. Très bien.
A stunning B&W image for sure. Nicely done!
The photo is so very symbolic that learning comes at a price both for the pupil and for the mentor. To keep on mentoring in the face of opposition is the mark of someone who embodies their own standards. To keep learning from a mentor who is in that situation and to refrain from bitterness which is returned to the ones who are attacking, is a sign that the learn is indeed learning. There is a price that the mentor and learner pay, but the price of the attackers is ultimately higher. I know who to admire in this scenario. I wish you both well, Chris (and wish it had never happened.) Excuse my verbosity and lecturing.
Love the textures in this one, they really give this image a very rough look, I think this would look very good in a frame and on a wall.
incredible equilibrium between light and contrast, really pleasant Chris, nice sunday
A true work of art and wisdom. Great post, and our best wishes for you and your friend.
Sounds like a wonderful and inspiring mentor – one who has taught and will continue to teach many of life’s most important lessons. Love the image – the textures that you’ve captured here.
excellent shot, love the rich bw tones and shapes
after reading your thoughts and looking back at the image, i see “still growing”. i get the feeling this was very vivid in colors.
Nice BW. So pleasing to my eye.
what beautiful shapes and textures!
The texture of this photo is truly compelling. Love the contrast of the flora and the life parallel. Beautifully done!
Well seen and a good title. fits in b/w
Incredible photo to go with inspiring words…well captured and excellent writing
People should always look at both sides of a story… and should try to see the good in everyone and everything no matter how hard.
a wonderful mono with lovely textures Chris!
Great textures and detail. I also love the message. Not knowing the answers is indeed ok. It should serve as motivation to continue to learn new things and discover as much as we can as individuals and as a people. Narrow-mindedness has never solved any of the big problems facing the human race. The key is, as you said, to try to move forward and avoid hatred and anger.
Well seen and also nice texture.
Wonderful contrasts and texture in this image.
As to your friend, kudos to him for being the “better person”. [I find it very difficult to turn the other cheek.]
A very intimate post, and a very moving one too. We can feel what you write and him & all the importance he has, as a real human being even if some others can’t relate being themselves so ignorant of the luck they have to be human beings. And your image is so intricated with beauty & mystery it supports your words wonderfully, and in a very deeply way. Flowers pressed in-between thick stones. Beautiful, Christopher.
To be honest i don’t like the word “mentor” but we can learn so much from somebody else’s example indeed and you describe it so well in your text & photo. We can feel respect and wisdom. It’s never too late to wonder, think, try to change. A very moving and soulful post. Congrats & thanks Christopher.
Love the image of new growth from such a seemingly inhospitable terrain.
And inhospitable seems to sum up those small minded people who are such a plague to civilised folk…
It’s good that your mentor also has you Chris to converse with in an exchange of roles.
Beautiful bark and expressive processing
Well done
Wonderful texture shot! very good bw8
Only you can balance photos and text in such a wonderful way. This post urged me to email my best friend, who’s had a rough 1st year of teaching, and let him know I’m in his corner. Thanks to you and your friend for the reminder.
Un jeu de textures magnifiques pour ce monochrome ! Et un belle leçon de vie au passage.
Thanks for sharing this.