SELF-MADE MAN?

For those of us who enjoy reading, it has been a good time to indulge in this previously guilty pleasure.  There's no significant constraint on how many hours I spend immersed in a good book, so I have doubled (at least) the amount of time I spend reading.

I just finished the third book of a trilogy by author Hilary Mantel; the title of the book is "The Mirror & the Light".  The chief character in the series is a real-life historical figure named Thomas Cromwell.  Cromwell's claim to fame is that he was the right-hand man of King Henry VIII...the king who could not find or keep love because of his desire for power.

My fascination with Thomas Cromwell is rooted in recognition that he was that most attractive of all people, a "self-made man."  Thomas was the son of a blacksmith,  a father whose gift to his son was such an abusive upbringing that Thomas ran away before he was a teenager.  Thomas did whatever he needed to do to stay alive - absolutely anything.  By the time he came to Henry VIII's notice, he was fluent in four languages and understood several more; he was a battle-tested soldier, a skilled orator, a shrewd negotiator, a lawyer, a mathematician, a theologian and above all else...he was a man who appreciated power.  In many respects he was a mirror image of King Henry, with the exception of being of low birth - a fact of which he was constantly reminded. 

Finishing the book earlier this week, I wondered if there is (or ever was) such a thing as a self-made person.  On reflection, I don't think so.  I am surrounded by evidence that my achievements, whether they be for the good or otherwise, are largely the result of good fortune and the gifts of others.  The long line of benefactors who have contributed to the making of "me" goes back to my ancestors and family, stretching forward through dozens of mentors, friends, patrons, teachers, sponsors and helpers.  And, I sense there are also non-human elements at play in making me who I am.

In present times, two of the phrases that I hear several times a day are: we are all in this together; and, we are not alone.  If these are true (as I understand them to be), how can there be such a thing as a self-made person?

It reminds me of a line from a Dr. Seuss book.  "I am you and you are me; put together, that makes we".

Pat

Take This Away

We read to know we are not alone.

~ C.S. Lewis ~

A Week of Gratitude

Saturday ~ lull in the storm

Sunday ~ beer cans & bottles in the ditch

Monday ~ fresh snow...again

Tuesday ~ accurate records

Wednesday ~ lunch & supper at OSHaRE

Thursday ~ getting the words & notes right...or not

Friday ~ relenting