Monday, October 27, 2014

Peer Or Potentate?

A  L  O  H  A !

 " To myself I am
 but a small child 
wandering upon the vast shores 
of knowledge, every now 
and then finding 
a small bright pebble 
to content myself with. "
                               Plato







" There is no respect for others 
without humility in one's self."
                   Henri Frederic Amiel.







" The vulgar man is 
always the most distinguished, 
for the very desire 
to be distinguished 
is vulgar. "
                   Gilbert K. Chesterton






Have you noticed
that successful politicians 
standing for election, or re-election
are warm, approachable,
kissing babies,
shaking hands,
smiling?

Have you noticed
that office holders
very often
carry the aura of 
potentates?

Attending an awards ceremony
for Hawaii's music industry
I found myself
in an elevator
with a famous local producer
associated with wonderful music.

"Love your work, man. Thanks."
"Always like to satisfy the consumers,"
he replied.

What a jerk!

It so happens,
that I was attending
as guest of a former band mate
who was up for an award
with his new band.

Great people
are focused on
other people
and the journeys ahead.

Small people
are so insecure
that they constantly
enforce, and
reinforce ANY
distinction they have.

Alan Brennert
is a VERY successful writer.
His work in scripts and novels
has won him many fans,
and awards.
I let him know
how fine his Hawaii
novels are.
He is an amazing 
and humane writer!

I wrote one little novel
(so far)
But Alan has been friendly
and kind when visiting Hawaii,
exchanging signed books
and later quoting me in an interview.

He called me Hawaii author.
[not a fan or consumer]
His spirit is generous.

Why do local "somebodies"
[wherever local happens to be]
act like a separate species,
yet world-class people
treat each person
as a friend,
as valuable?

I think the question
answers itself,
don't you?

I have confused and upset
some "achievers"
by treating them like friends
instead of making obeisance.
Don't get me wrong,
I express appreciation for their
work, but. . . . 

I'm not looking for rank,
invites to events,
or Medals.

Each person I meet
has something to teach me
[yes, some of the lessons
are cautionary].

So carry on,
my fellow great person!
By this ye shall know
insecure jerks:
they are preoccupied
with being respected.

So give them what they want
to get what YOU want,
but make real people,
animals,
the whole world,
your fellow of the journey'
of life.

Then YOU shall be
known as
a truly great human.

Like me.

[\]

Thank YOU 
for laughing along.

The only reason I post
is for the friendship 
and comments
from YOU!

      Thanks So Much
                   fondly, cloudia

Moki


23 comments:

eViL pOp TaRt said...

Thanks for the thoughts to put things into perspective this Monday morning, Cloudia! Moki is so cute.

You are so wise!

Meredith said...

Thanks for the affirmation!

Teresa said...

Love the pictures today and your sharing of experiences. I totally agree. Moki is adorable.

Charles Gramlich said...

The customers eh? I really get irritated by that kind of thinking.

Hilary said...

Nod, nod, nod and a wee giggle at the end, there. You fill up a page with wisdom and fun. And fine photos.

TexWisGirl said...

i hope to never consider myself better than others.

Erika said...

Best regards from Italy. Thanks for sharing these true quotes.

RedPat said...

I really don't want to know those people! Thanks for the great post today, Cloudia!

EG CameraGirl said...

I totally agree with you, Cloudia!

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

Hi Moki!
~

Reader Wil said...

Right you are!
Wil, ABCW Team.

Adam said...

nice quotes

Cloudia said...

Look at all these cool comments by great people!

Thanks Dears

eileeninmd said...

Cloudia, great quotes. And an awesome post.. It is not good to feel insecure. Enjoy your new week!

carol l mckenna said...

Wise post and great photos! Love Moki!

Happy Week to You!
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

Merlesworld said...

I do like a good lizard picture.
Merle...........

DeniseinVA said...

Another very wise post Cloudia, and oh boy, pride commeth before the fall. That 'famous' person's ego is so overly inflated, I think he'd better watch his step, it's a long drop down there. You always make me smile my friend.

Brian Miller said...

i will take the real any day, over the puffed up....and love the humility quote as well...

aloha from va

William Kendall said...

"Consumer." That speaks volumes.

It goes both ways, though... I tend to call marketing executives Marketing Chimps.

The lizard looks quite curious!

Cloudia said...

Love these comments. Thanks so much.

Small Kucing said...

A happy week ahead to you Cloudia :)

Su-sieee! Mac said...

It took me a while to realize how our insecurities hurt others. Hopefully I haven't been a jerk to many.

Bob Bushell said...

Nice pictres Cloudia. I've no idea what Moki does?