Thursday, August 5, 2010

hedgehog and fox

I though I was a hedgehog. Someone who knows one big thing (literature). But I'm beginning to realize I'm more of a fox. Someone who knows many things.

I was taught that finding a job that you love was the one sure path to happiness. I have found that hobbies, not work, are the one sure path to happiness. No one works harder at their hobbies than me.

I thought going deep into one thing would enlighten me about all the other things. But I have found that learning many things creates a synergy that opens more doors. And there is the delight of moving from one activity to another.

Picture Charlie Parker playing the saxophone for 14 hours a day. Wouldn't you rather play the saxophone for 2 hours, congas for half and hour, read seven different books simultaneously, cook, teach, work in the garden, speak French, take photographs, do home repairs and raise kids, all in one day?