A Philosopher is Born
Yes, Lincoln does not look the part, not yet anyway. But here he is on the playground of Longfellow School, surveying the lawn with confidence, exploring, running this way and that. Do you remember your earliest visits to a playground? Remember the vast expanse of grassy carpet, maybe there was some playground equipment…… Can you remember trees, perhaps a “climbing tree”, one with serendipitously positioned branches that, with care, one could climb, higher and higher?
On a Sunday morning, under a blue sky, running over the green grass,
Lincoln, not quite two years old, does what all philosophers do. He engages, he investigates his own capabilities. Lincoln notices everything, how green is the grass, how rough the bark of a strong maple, and how inviting the limbs just above. This is what philosophers do, surveying the ground of culture, Nature, and the mind, trying to take in everything, wanting to see more and more, to explore. With the help of trusted compatriots, and best of all, with assistance from someone with more time and experience under their belt, like Dad, –stretch and reach for that next limb.
So, we play in company with Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein reaching for the next limb. I can see it, and it looks strong enough. Could you give me a boost? And then I’ll help you up.
You’ll love the view!
