Wonder Have you ever asked people what your greatest strength is? In a world where 360-degree feedback is the norm, it’s rare that people emerge from those processes with that insight, but I do encourage you to ask. I do, sometimes, and I hear a range of things: ability to synthesise complex material, ability to bring diverse interests into a unified whole, reframe contributions so people feel their observation is of value. But, I’ve now heard something three times, which makes it a pattern. (Once is a one-off, twice is a coincidence, but three times . . . ).
Enjoyed learning the story behind WD-40 after using it just a few weeks ago to loosen a sticky padlock. Your point about "de-risking" is spot on and one I've reflected on as I compared my children's school experience to my own. About 40 years ago I, and a couple of other science geeks, were given unfettered access to all the science equipment for experimentation in our own time; including the expensive laser used to demonstrate diffraction. Sure, we did have fun with that, but we were not stupid enough to shine it at each other. I trust my kids not to be stupid and I wish their schools did as well.
Do you think the lack of wonder is a middle age condition ? My father has moved in with us 2 months ago and at 82 his sense of wonder is quite strong.
Enjoyed learning the story behind WD-40 after using it just a few weeks ago to loosen a sticky padlock. Your point about "de-risking" is spot on and one I've reflected on as I compared my children's school experience to my own. About 40 years ago I, and a couple of other science geeks, were given unfettered access to all the science equipment for experimentation in our own time; including the expensive laser used to demonstrate diffraction. Sure, we did have fun with that, but we were not stupid enough to shine it at each other. I trust my kids not to be stupid and I wish their schools did as well.