Letters from our readers
When I was in college I struggled to get through two graduate programs. Working on research and lab projects I’d get marked down for being too robotic and not curious enough.
As a youngster I enjoyed Dorothy, Groucho, Curly Joe, Elmer Fudd, Big Bird, Bert & Ernie, Winnie the Pooh, Barney Rubble, Yogi Bear, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Alice in Wonderland, Br’er Fox, Peter Cottontail, Goldie Locks, Little Red Riding Hood, Pinocchio, Goofy, Wilbur, Horton, Thing 1 & 2, Sylvester, Bullwinkle, George Jetson, Alvin, Casper, and others. They were optimistic and at times got themselves in a pickle due to their curiosity. I don’t remember if Mr. Magoo, Snuffleupagus, Pippi Longstocking or Snagglepuss were curious.
Years later, Beaver, Gomer Pyle, Fred Munster, Uncle Fester, Robin, I Dream of Jeannie, Mork, Alf, Igor, Hunchback, Gilligan, and Scooby-Doo were gullible, puzzling yet helpful with their curiosity. Perry Mason and Detective Columbo’s curiosity was somewhat different but both were meddlesome, persistent and spot on. Buzz Lightyear and Sponge Bob are loveable, curious goofballs.
Currently there are many in my Curiosity Hall of Fame. Various explorers, scientists, doctors and leaders that most of us know about. More specifically, I appreciated Mike Leach’s wisdom and quirkiness. Locally, a few who fascinate me curiosity wise are Roger Lucas – I always look forward to his adventures, what a renaissance man! George Davis – retired now, but he’s an excellent mechanic who can “MacGyver” anything. Plus, he has a great sense of humor. Frank Ayers – a brilliant individual who may be the most curious person I’ve ever met. He reminds me a little of Spock. Nancy Kuiper – always fun to visit with her because she is a very deep, thoughtful thinker who is puzzled about the right things. There are many I could mention whose natural, passionate, innocent, inquisitiveness shines and motivates me.
When it comes to the spectrum of curiosity, as my college professors kindly pointed out, I’ll always be at the lower end of the spectrum. Because curiosity-wise I think of things like this: Is that Aaron Judd in that Jeep Wrangler or Ty Egbert? Is that Shelly Black as Tom Cruise’s girlfriend in Top Gun Maverick? Do others confuse Tom Hanks with Randy Spots or Andy Clark with Jason Aldean?
There are always things to ponder, but at least I have role models to lean on. Even if I’m uncomfortable and fail at times, I’ll always be eager to experiment, explore and learn with a growth mindset. In a weird way it can be very satisfying and fun. As I get older I’m striving to get better at being curious about things that really matter. I’m going to loosen up, relax and have my wife buy me some of that Focus Factor stuff!
Nanu nanu,
John M. Adkins
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