http://opinionjournal.com/taste/?id=110010121
We would enrich our lives if we would master an activity removed from our regular roles in life. Whether it is becoming THE expert on the Lincoln assassination (as with Mr. Hall), raising guppies, tending a garden, becoming an expert marksman or mastering chess, we all have the time. We may or may not have the will. If we can develop that will, we will have built ourselves our own internal vacation home, a home that will refresh us when we become weary of being the butcher, baker, candlestick maker, student, family member, pillar of the community, or whatever roles we regularly play in our lives. And when we return to those regular roles, refreshed from our journey (which journey might be simply to our study or to our yard), we most likely will be a better butcher, baker or candlestick maker, more studious student, more loving family member, and stronger community pillar.
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I read the article and I'm Mr. Hall is a fine gentlemen. In terms of your comments, you know I'm going to disagree here!
My first objection is somewhat minor, but I don't think anyone should proclaim themselves a pillar of the community. Anyone who has the arrogance to do such a thing is likely not someone that should be copied. The best people that serve in our communities are the ones that specifically don't seek to be government officials when they are young, but those who seek to love and serve other people, and not seek glory for themselves. As it has been said, those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Now I agree with you that initiative is required to learn new skills, but my second objection stems from whether a man should put his trust in himself, and in his internal strength and being. This is folly. Trusting in yourself is arrogance. I speak often of humility, humility, humility. This is so important to becoming a man of character. If you trust in yourself, then yourself is all who you will serve. Instead, trust not in yourself, the creature, but in God, the Creator. This is the path true knowledge and wisdom.
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