“Tell me what you love, and I will tell you who you are.” –Arsène Houssaye
I was interested in trying something different from an ordinary blog. Rather than little old me randomly opining on the state of the world (it’s a mess), the latest book I read (M Train by Patti Smith –excellent), or celery (aka Satan’s dental floss), I wanted to set up a sort of confession album, a 19th-Century practice in which friends asked each other questions, the most famous one being the Proust Questionnaire. For this confession album, I figured what better way to get to know people than to ask them to talk about something they love. And so, here are the questions, with the hopes of learning more about some interesting people and the things that move and shape them.
What is one thing (object, idea, practice, etc.) that you love?
Discovery. Not to be confused with “discovering.” The thing being discovered (am confusing myself) doesn’t have to be new, just new to me or someone I share with, be it a fact, a place, a concept, or something else (object, idea, practice, etc.--see what I did?). Yay, discovery!
How did you first come to discover discovery? Hah! That sounds funny. But do you remember?
No way could I recall the first time, probably the whole baby sees themselves in the mirror thing, playing with my own fingers and toes, something, but I have no memory of it. Thinking of how that moment must have been, though, gives me a thrill. That had to be the beginning, the beginning of the journey, and it will be a lifelong one.
Do you feel like anyone mentored you when you first discovered this love or in developing your love of discovery? If so, who and under what circumstances?
I don’t know that anything besides natural curiosity propelled me into it, but I do know that my love for it is nurtured by people who share a similar love for discovery. It’s a real symbiosis, and it’s happening almost constantly, with every interaction. And it’s universal. Learn something new!
What do you love about it?
What’s not to love? That’s the thing! Even if it’s something I wish I hadn’t known, it’s something new. The act of discovery–the process–cannot be stopped! That’s what makes it special! I love that even in my perceived darkest of times, there has been some discovery involved.
How do you express your love for it?
I share things–some would say overshare–when I am able, and then the joy of discovery is vicarious but no less wonderful. To see the joy of discovery in someone else is beyond thrilling! Especially if it thrilled me first, LOL! I’ve said “thrill” a couple of times, but it is such a rush! It’s the best word!
How do you feel discovery makes your life better?
It opens my heart, broadens my mind, and expands my horizons, which I figure are some of the most basic life purposes anyway. And because it comes so easily it can be done no matter the circumstances. It gives you everything, and more often than not, takes nothing away.
If someone were interested in discovering more about this thing you love, where would you direct them? Where would they start?
Interacting with curious, studied, self-educating people is an amazing way to do it, but if that’s not immediately possible (looking at you, pandemics and power outages), pick up a book, go for a walk, do something new. It is impossible not to discover. Again, that’s the beauty of it.