671

People wish for wisdom. People crave knowledge. Instead of seeking it within, by reflecting, they look to others to provide it. They are impressed by achievement. They are impressed by others’ abilities to articulate. But those articulations might not be based on anything substantial.

I hear 80, 90 and 100-year-olds being interviewed about their longevity. I listen to Dean Karnazes being interviewed about his stamina, the coaches on Baby Steps pontificating about tennis, participants in a 3100-mile race explain their motivation, and my colleagues expounding forth on language learning through themes and learning outcomes.

So much of it hot air.