On being an Intellectual Badass II

   Frank and I went to Mill Mountain for coffee early Saturday evening. We needed an escape from our perspective families. I am sipping on my hazelnut coffee in it's usual ceramic mug, describing my foray into sewing about eight sets of pajama bottoms for my family for Christmas, when he says, "I have a serious question."
   "What is it?"
   "How are you smart?"
   "What do you mean?"
   "How do you know so much stuff?"
    I really couldn't answer him properly because I was a bit taken aback by the question, simply, I don't consider myself to be that smart. But we have had this discussion before. I did credit my mom with a lot of my upbringing. She wanted children who were intellectually capable and successful. What parent doesn't? But then I realized that most of it is due to culture, perpetuated by my parents. Mom is a teacher and dad is an engineer. Successful parenting does not always have to do with occupation, but it helps. I think I can sum up my culture, one that I have fine-tuned, in a few pictures.

1. Don't assume you know more than the next person.

2. Dare to be different and think outside your pool.

3. Do your research and ask questions.

4. Be spiritual, not religious. 

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