Chapter 1: The Classroom of Life

In a small, cramped classroom located in the basement of a junior high school, Mr. Jenks, an elderly man with a bow tie and round glasses, introduced his students to a thought-provoking concept. His classroom, filled with the sounds and smells from the nearby gym, served as a backdrop for a lesson that contrasted two distinct types of individuals: the philosophers who generate knowledge and the technicians who apply it. While this binary classification oversimplified the complexities of humanity, it effectively conveyed an important message.

Had Mr. Jenks elaborated further, he might have pointed out that a mere 1-5% of individuals are responsible for pioneering research, which lays the groundwork for new ideas and theories about the universe. Following this group, around 10-15% take these theories and transform them into practical applications. These individuals represent the philosophers and technicians, respectively. The remaining majority of us merely utilize the innovations crafted by these two groups, often lacking a complete understanding of how these creations function.

According to Mr. Jenks, technicians spend their days shaping the world by turning theoretical concepts into the practical tools we rely on. In contrast, he likened philosophers to whittlers—those who spend time in contemplation, shaping blocks of wood by the water’s edge. Though their work may seem unproductive, it is through these moments of reflection that groundbreaking ideas, such as the discovery of gravity and penicillin, emerge. Whittlers, or thinkers, require space and time to foster their creativity.

However, society often misjudges the value of these thinkers, viewing their activities as frivolous and unworthy of funding. This bias extends to the arts and humanities, which are frequently dismissed as unnecessary pursuits. In America, we tend to undervalue jobs that are deemed menial, assigning little respect to roles such as garbage collectors, clerks, and janitors. These essential positions, while repetitive, are fundamental to the functioning of society. It's noteworthy that Albert Einstein formulated his theory of relativity while working as a patent clerk, illustrating the potential for profound insights to arise from simple tasks.

Conversely, corporate CEOs and skilled athletes receive high esteem and remuneration, as society equates their roles with complexity and expertise. This disparity highlights a cultural distortion in how we assign worth, often prioritizing material wealth over the intrinsic value of repetitive, humble work.

Eastern philosophies and certain Christian monastic traditions emphasize the importance of these seemingly lowly tasks. Practitioners of Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and monastic Christians engage in cleaning, cooking, and gardening, recognizing that such activities can lead to profound insights. Through engaging in these repetitive actions, they uncover deeper truths about existence and the universe.

In doing simple work, we may grasp life's rhythms and the essence of creation. As illustrated by the whittler, who sacrifices the potential for material gain in favor of understanding, the pursuit of knowledge often requires relinquishing immediate rewards. The whittler may sit by the pond, carving his wood while casting a line, simultaneously immersing himself in both his craft and nature.

As Mr. Jenks recounted this lesson, a subtle smile appeared on his face, reflecting his contentment with the wisdom he imparted.

Discover how adding value to others can profoundly change your life, as shared by John Maxwell in this motivational talk.

Chapter 2: Shifting Perspectives on Value

Bishop T.D. Jakes discusses the importance of values in shaping our lives and the world around us.