August 12, 1996
by Norman Willard Wilcox
When asked if there were any words of advice that he would like to pass on to his posterity, the following is what he wrote;
"It seems downright presumptive of someone like me, reared in the dusty, distant past, in a totally different environment, to offer advice to children of today or tomorrow. Therefore, I shall only offer a few comments on the qualities of virtue.
Accept accolades graciously and only if warranted. By the same token, do not disavow responsibility for plans of ventures that fail. You, to a certain extent, control your own destiny. Do not blame your parents, society or circumstances for your shortcomings. If knocked down by life, get up, grit your teeth a little harder and give it your best shot - NEVER give up, and Never complain! It has been my experience that certain segments of society frown on Whining. You may get away with a muted Whimper! I say you may!
The world is changing. Not so much the world itself, but the people who inhabit it. Nothing has changed the world, and the societies that comprise it, more than communication. Corporations and countries have profited exponentially from the instantaneous exchange of ideas. (And the very thought of cyberspace astounds this old duffer.) However, the advent of television has had, and will continue to have, a deleterious effect on the lower rungs of society. It is great entertainment, but has replaced familial conversation. Education has suffered from it's impact, in advanced societies such as ours, while in third world countries it has fostered unrest among the peasants.
I had better stop before this becomes a diatribe. I leave you with this quote from my favorite Bard, Robert Service:
As seas of ink I splatter.
Ye Gods, forgive my "literary" sins --
The other kind don't matter."
How I love the language of previous times, even my grandfather's. It undulates, moves to such a comforting and beautiful rhythm. I see this language becoming a rarity... Not only language, but value... How our culture, language, and society has taken downward turns! How it has become so essential that one watches each breath, each word, each action. If not then, and not now to change it and create more value.... then WHEN?! Amazing how the previous words ring with such a truth, it seems hardly fathomable of the events that have since transpired.... Even just since 1996..
