When Wolfgang and I first met by the pool two years ago, we would talk about philosophy and share other common interest topics. Often, conversations would begin on whatever book he was reading by the pool.
Two years ago, Wolfgang spent about three weeks here in southern Arizona, enjoying the hot summer sun. It was not his first time visiting Tom in Tucson, and he indicated he would be visiting again next year. But, that didn’t happen – I didn’t ask why distracted by the pleasure of seeing him again.
Since Joy and I had just returned from vacation, I assumed he had just arrived. However, he had come while we were gone, during which time he and Tom made a road trip to northern Arizona and southern Utah and was now in his last week here in the states.
Wolfgang was anxious to share the time they spent in the Navajo Nation territory, taking in some of its natural beauty. However, his most memorable moment was a conversation he had with a Navajo woman, whom he greeted in Navajo. Although his Navajo vocabulary is limited, she seemed to be impressed. Upon departing, she told him that he would speak in Navajo when he comes back.
“No, I won’t,” Wolfgang said.
“That’s the right answer,” she replied.
Now Wolfgang has a kindred spirit in the Navajo Nation.
As in the past, I was curious as to what Wolfgang’s poolside reading was. As the title was in German, I only know the author’s name; Peter Sloterdijk. I now plan on reading some of Sloterdijk’s work, especially learning more about his theory of the human as a practicing, training being, which may give me additional insight on why “becoming is superior to being,” and the process of becoming (improving) as individuals and groups can result in a more convivial society.
Related to this thought, I shared a poem I first heard in the late ’50s from my high school English teacher:
“Good, better, best,
Never let it rest,
Till your good is better,
And your better is best.”
This little poem has been my life’s anthem.
(Until recently, the author of the poem was unknown, but a recent Google search gives credit to professional basketball player Tim Duncan. Look at what media exposure can do for you!)
We also talked about the concept and philosophy of “feathering,” which I will post later.
Keep on feathering, my friend.
— kenne
Wolfgang P. Theiss — Images by kenne
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Lovely story. Wolfgang sounds like an interesting friend.
Yes, he is. He just let me know that he arrived back safely in Germany.
I subscribe to that – ‘becoming’ – it speaks of a journey of discovery and bettering ourselves.
Interesting is it not that we call ourselves human ‘beings’ – hints of having arrived. What is this – arrogance or ignorance? Probably my ignorance.
All good wishes,
Eric
Thanks for the comment.
Good better best, never let it rest . . . Tim Duncan? Who knew! :O)
Go figure!
Reblogged this on Becoming is Superior to Being and commented:
Sometimes paths cross for reasons we may never know. Because of our use of social media, I hear from Wolfgang now and then. Our neighbor Tom no longer lives in Tanuri Ridge. — kenne