Busy week

One more excerpt before a busy week where I won't have time to blog.  Then I'll be back with observations about writing the third book in the Bayou Beni series, "Blessings from the Past."

From "Sowing Freedom, Reaping Joy":

It had surprised Cletus that Gaston was eager to hear his opinions on the many subjects they discussed. He was somewhat in awe of Gaston’s education and experience, and couldn’t imagine why what he had to say about something would be interesting to someone with Gaston’s background. As their relationship developed, Cletus felt comfortable talking to Gaston about it.

“Gaston, I must admit I was intimidated by you when we first met, me with my limited education and experience and you with a very good education and vast experience. It has humbled me that you ask and value my opinion so much.”

“Why would I not, Cletus? Most people are capable of remembering what they have been taught, and thus far, I have been taught more than you. Human progress comes from thought, not from remembering. For example, I know the names of the stars and constellations. There may be an island somewhere in the South Pacific where they have different names for the stars and constellations, but observe their movement, and can predict direction by the stars as I can. Is one right and one wrong? No, just different. Because I was taught, I know that at one time, Europeans believed that the planets and stars revolved around the earth. Now we believe that the earth and other planets revolve around the sun. This happened because people observed and thought rather than believed. I think that knowledge is important, but I think that thinking and reasoning are even more important. Without thinking and reasoning, we are all vulnerable to being tricked by false information.

“Your observations and thoughts are informed by a different life story than mine, and that makes them interesting and valuable to me. No person can see the world quite like any other person sees it. I learn more from our conversations than from most of what I read, because you help me see things differently. Our friendship is a great gift to me, Cletus, I hope you realize that.”

Cletus had difficulty speaking past the lump of emotion in his throat. “I have been so focused on my lack of formal education, I never thought of myself as having observations that have value to others. Thank you, Gaston, tonight you have given me a gift beyond measure.”