I am reading a book entitled "An Object of Beauty" that's written by Steve Martin. Yes, that Steve Martin. He's an actor, comedian, writer, and art collector. According to Wikipedia, he is also a producer and composer. Oh, and he plays the banjo.
It's easy to feel inadequate when we learn that someone is accomplished in as many areas as that. How can he do all those things? What have I been doing? Does it help that he has money and doesn't have to do the grunt work in life that takes time away from other things? Or is he just someone who's really interested in different subjects and willing to apply himself to them? Can we all, if we want, excel in a number of areas?
The concept of human potential is mind-boggling to me. Wow, if only everyone's potential could be fully realized. Is that impossible? That gets into bigger questions than I can answer. What I do know is that there's lots to do in life and we can pursue interesting opportunites and live life as fully as possible. This does not have to include banjo playing but it can.
JAHD
I'm reading that book too Joanne! I'm a big fan of his writing and, you're right, he's incredibly accomplished. But I hear he's a real jerk in person. I hate to think that, because I'm a big fan, but maybe that's how we rationalize the fact that we haven't realized as much of our potential as he has....we're nice people!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Jill. That's funny we're both reading that book. I thought I'd heard about him being a jerk too but I just heard it once and hoped it wasn't true. I guess it is. That's ok. I'm still in awe of how much he's done and I find it kind of inspiring, I guess. But being nice is more important. We've got him beat there. Until our future fame and fortune goes to our heads of course. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not jealous of anyone who can play the banjo. I can play the recorder while shaking maracas with my feet.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gorilla Bananas. You are clearly multi-talented! J
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