Peter Myers29 said:A true master proves their worth by choosing to mentor a novice rather than just hoarding knowledge for themselves.
I find myself in complete agreement with that sentiment.
When you take on the burden of instruction, you aren't merely imparting wisdom; you are subjecting your own understanding to a rigorous, unforgiving test of clarity and depth.
As the old adage goes, even the most brilliant mind can glean something unexpected from a fool if they are paying attention. 😬
Peter Myers29 said:Those individuals whose sole ambition is to accumulate techniques and skills—yet who consider it beneath them to demonstrate those abilities to someone lacking experience—are not masters at all, but merely arrogant, self-important fools.
However, I must respectfully dissent.
There is a vast, yawning chasm between casually showing someone a trick and actually establishing an institution—say, opening a specialized training academy in Chicago—to educate fifty students at once. To do the latter requires an immense reservoir of time, an infinite supply of patience, and a genuine will to serve. Dealing with people is, quite frankly, psychologically exhausting work.
Personally, I intend to push my own capabilities much further before I would even entertain the thought of teaching anyone else; to attempt it sooner would feel profoundly irresponsible, almost a breach of ethics.
In my view, one either performs a task with absolute integrity or does not bother at all.
History shows us that many great American craftsmen didn't even begin to instruct others until they were well into their fifties, having spent thirty years grinding away, refining their craft, and perfecting their discipline.
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