Earlier today, Lithus was trying to explain something advanced calculus-y to me. At the end of it ~ or at least what I think the end of it was ~ he asked if that made any sense. To which I had to reply "I don't even know what we're talking about."
It was then, and only then, that I even realized we'd been talking about something calculus-y. And I only realized it because he said "calculus." Oh. Okay.
And I said "Wow...I feel stupid."
Lithus, being Lithus, responded quickly and vehemently with that fact that I am not stupid, not at all, and... And I interrupted him. Because here's the thing: I know I'm not stupid. In fact, I am one of the smartest people I know. I don't say that to brag or to sound arrogant (although I honestly don't care if it does) or to come off as supercilious. I say it because, well, because I know I'm not stupid.
I'm not talking about things I don't know about. What I don't know about can, has, and will fill tomes. I'm talking about things I don't and cannot understand. Whenever I find something that I cannot understand any better than to call it "calculus-y", it's actually a little exciting. I have enough respect for my own intelligence that I have even more respect for anything that can challenge it enough to make me feel stupid.
Go figure.
Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.
2 comments:
Actually, wonderful newfound friend, you are one of the smarter people I know and I think i'm a pretty smart guy who likes smart friends. And a lot of stuff in my life is pretty 'calculus-y' to me, too.
Ian ~ Ah, flattery will get you absolutely everywhere. The fact that I agree with your assessment of my intelligence doesn't hurt. LOL. I, too, like smart people and smart friends. As one, I figured you would understand the thrill of finding something that is simply beyond my/your understanding and comprehension. For me, there's that shiver and an "ooooo" moment. It's frustrating, sure, but it's also a little cool. Plus, the respect that comes when I meet the person who *does* understand that which is beyond me. Love that moment!
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