Joseph T. Riach's
INSPIRATIONS
“Only when you dare to be different from others and stand out as one who does not conform to expected norms in the conduct of your life can you expect to achieve great things. There is no other way." - JTR
DEAD HORSE WISDOM
The golden silence of the author's study is a solitary, but blessedly conflict-free zone. It provides the space in which to contemplate experiences and put down in words that which has been learned. In my case, I emphasise in my writing that I have actually done all those things of which I write. I'm not talking theory. This is important. Formal education teaches from the book but only hands-on experience lets the practitioner truly understand harsh reality. So, as one who has benefited in both respects - good schooling as a child (however hard I tried to avoid it) and labouring at the sharp end in some of industry's toughest environments - I'm confident in the conclusions I have arrived at. I realised quite early on in fact that I much prefer the wisdom of unlettered men who get their hands dirty. My own Uncle Charlie was one such character.
"You know, you know you never know 'til a dead horse kicks you" … is just one from the extensive repertoire of oft-repeated mottos with which he would regale me while on epic walks together around the city of our birth. To him had fallen the task of providing respite to my beleaguered parents by relieving them of the young and exhausting me for a few hours on Sunday afternoons. So each week I happily trekked along with him through every close and alley, along every street and avenue and through every area - rich, poor, residential, industrial - of the town, totally absorbed in his constant stories and revelations of the places and those who inhabited them.
My uncle was neither an educated man nor a sophisticated one. He had left school at age twelve and thereafter worked all his days – or rather nights and early mornings – in my grandfather's bakery; but he had insight, native wit and local knowledge fit to confound even the most learned of local scholars and historians.
So much so in fact that I, in later life, would regularly amaze friends and colleagues, and myself too, with impromptu nuggets of information about the city, little known sites and local facts and tales of long forgotten characters who had walked the streets and played out the mosaic of their lives there. I had unwittingly received a complete alternative education from my 'uneducated' uncle! Yes, learning comes in many forms ... none more powerful than that gained through the grit and determination of ordinary workers and their practical experience. Never underestimate the wisdom and wit of the common man.
Another of my uncle's favourite sayings which I most enjoyed and which left its indelible mark on me is …
Paddy on the railway breaking up stones, When along came an engine and broke Paddy's bones, “Oh,” said Paddy, “That's not fair!” “Oh,” said the engine driver, “You shouldn't have been there!”
What marvelous wisdom to be taught at that young age, and a fine lesson to live life by; the more so when viewed against the irresponsible, self-entitled and blame averse culture prevalent in much of present day society and promoted by the so-called 'educated elites' who have never been near real-life work and its demands.
As a result of my uncle's promptings, I grew up always aware that I, and I alone, am responsible for my life and for all that happens in it. I've survived the scrapes and self-inflicted woes of the years and have received my fair share of kicks from dead horses too. Enough to know that the greatest life lesson of all is to know that you never know until you've been kicked by one!
I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.
I wish all my friends, readers and followers, old and new, wherever you are,
a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a NEW YEAR of PROSPERITY and JOY!
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'Dead Horse Wisdom' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
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See you there! Regards, Tom.
Comments
This Post has the wisdom of the ages Tom. I always enjoy reading your writings, the descriptions make it feels like I'm walking down the narrow alleyways with you and your Uncle Charlie. And they are filled with valuable lessons. I also can't help but to notice your accurate descriptions of the present, day entitled culture pushed by the elite class. A great take away statement that "I and I alone am responsible for my life and all that happens in it". Something that's sorely lacking in modern society.
Today's western leaders are spineless and self-centred, corrupt and incompetent - all of them. Not one is fit to lick my Uncle Charlie's boots! And that's me being nice! :-) It's great to hear from you Robin, I do so much appreciate that you take the time to read and comment on my offerings. Your support means a lot.
You can say that again Tom. It's my feeling exactly, I sometimes can't believe the State the World is in today. I can definitely say intergrity and common sense have left the building. I agree so much with Dead Horse Wisdom, you can learn from anyone, even children. I think they're great teachers and totally unbiased, they just say what they feel or see. I used to have a daycare and I would enjoy watching them play together and solve problems, with simplicity. It seems that most people tend to over think things when they get older. I always like hearing from you Tom. And I've benefitted greatly from your knowledge and life expieriences. As well as the people whose stories you highlight in your books. People who made the choice to use their gifts to change their lives for the better.
"Integrity and common sense have left the building," perfectly stated Robin. I love your quote - it's given me an idea ... watch this space!
I appreciate and enjoy your sharing the wisdom of Uncle Charlie, an unlettered man. I have never heard of 'dead horse wisdom' or getting kicked by a 'dead horse' but I certainly can relate, thank you, Tom.