Mary Todd Lincoln: “I hardly think 7″ counts as a ‘Log’, dear.”

March 23, 2014

Studying the twists and quirks of the human psyche never ceases to entertain me. Why do we most often quote or look to history and celebrities for our nuggets of wisdom? Hmm? I would wager it has to do with distance. Something sticks in our collective craw when we hear measured words and wisdom from our peers or, gods forbid, those who are  younger. We do not want to hear depth from those that should be our equals. No, that just won’t do. I believe that is why so much of historical poignancy happened “Ago” be it religious or philosophical.

I strive for humility. Don’t laugh. I do. My own career supports my previous supposition though. I have sold thousands of novels. I’m not bragging. I’m simply giving you an example. Readers from all walks of life point out the layers of philosophy and empathy in my works…yet, a very few of those readers are friends and family that were a part of my life before I began writing. I suppose I can empathize with this concept. I mean who wants to hear poignant words of wisdom from somebody to whom you have had to say, “Jesus! We have spray in the bathroom for a reason!” or “Was that you or the dog?” over and  over in your life?

Case in point: today my littlest daughter was mimicking the lines from a video about somebody being afraid of spiders. My wife pointed out that daddy oddly enough is not afraid of spiders even though he was bitten by a Brown Recluse once (Long story, don’t ask). To this I said, “The only thing I am afraid of in this world is myself.”

My wife’s response was, “Oh blah, blah, blah, such a drama queen!”

So folks, that’s why we look to the ancients of time, trial and tome for guidance, or to the talking heads on the screen with their pretty bleached smiles – distance. Just remember all that distance only blurs reality…it doesn’t change it.

~Nick Shamhart