Here here! (I agree)
Trying it differently every time (although it drives my wife crazy-she
values "efficiency" above all else) and I learn. What is most
interesting is the "fringes" of a subject. I'll use Rope work as an
example. I have a working knowledge of about 25 or so knots, and can
make short splices and eye splices in the typical 3 strand "laid" rope.
I began learning about this as an outgrowth of a) my fascination with old
time sailing ships, and b) Rock and Ice climbing.
Big deal, right? Rope is used by only a few crazies and window washers...
Except: I built a "ropes course" at a summer camp about 10 years ago. I
put it up by myself, and it consisted of a rope ladder built in the olde
style with lashed in steps (it was quite strong), and a 3 strand rope
bridge with a "zip line" going to the ground. There was an assortment of
traverses and belays.
The ropes course was a complete success, I ran about 300 people through
it in 3 weeks with no (zero) accidents more serious than a minor rope
burn or two, and a couple of good scares. My safety systems were "self
protecting" so that errors we made were made up for by the logic of the
system (whew!) so it turned into a learning experience for all involved.
I couldn't have built this thing without a lot of experimenting with
multiple solutions to problems. I discovered at least 5 different ways
to tie a bowline, each with it's own unique strength (as well as weakness)
I discovered a lot of subtle nuances to the craft (or for me - the art)
of rigging with rope-a lot of which helps me in other work that I do.
I have full confidence that I can build anything I need (or want) with
rope because the "around the edges" fiddling I've done has opened up the
possibilities for me, it's just a matter of adapting the known to the new.
I get into trouble "fiddling" with the edges of some subject area, but It
has never yet failed to reveal tricks and techniques that yeild the most
surprising results. I believe this to be part of the discipline of Self
Mastery, in this case-the mastery of a subject area tied to my persponal
application of it.
Besides, who wants to be bored?
later...
Michael Erickson
On Wed, 12 Jun 1996, Michael McMaster wrote:
> Replying to LO7789 --
>
> And then there's the approach of Milton Erickson, the great medical
> researcher and developer of hypnosis. He never used the same solution
> twice. Besides saying that would be boring, he also wouldn't learn
> anything after the first application.
>
> I suggest solving same problems in new ways is appropriate for a learning
> organisation.
--Michael Erickson <sysengr@atc.boeing.com>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>