Be curious my friend!

To paraphrase a TV commercial, "Be curious my friend." There is no better advice that one can give. Children are born curious. Did you ever think about the reason most children are always asking, "Why?" Adults, particularly parents and teachers, have a very effective way of killing the question. They tend to be irritated by the constant question - often because they don't know why, or because they can't be bothered to stopping what they are doing to explain. I am guilty of this charge! (Fortunately, I did not kill all curiosity.)

Children who survive the rejection of their questions may well grow up to be doctors and scientists, both professions which require constantly asking "why." In school I was often accused of being "nosy." Maybe I was, but I have always been curious about everything around me. I can remember my first "research projects." Dad had thrown several old wrist watches into a drawer. At age of around 11 or 12 I asked whether I could take they apart to see how they worked, and he granted my request. I was fascinated at what I found under the covers, and it quickly became apparent that an engineering career was not in my future . . . I could never figure out how to put them back together!

I did grow up to be a scientist. A person of this profession cannot continue to ask "why" about everything, and must focus attention on one area of "whys." I became a Soil Scientist, more specifically a Soil Chemist, and ended up with a 30 year career as Professor of Soil Chemistry. That type of career requires associated research activity which usually is even more focused. My research was primarily in the area of reactions at soil-solution interfaces. I like to believe I made a contribution to the understanding of chemical reactions in soils, but that is for others to evaluate. I have no illusion that I will be remembered long, though. As King Solomon wrote,
"No one remembers the former generations,
    and even those yet to come
will not be remembered
    by those who follow them." ~ Ecclesiastes 1:11 (NIV)
Rarely, today, are remembered the writings of such men as Justus von Liebig, considered the "father" of both modern Chemistry and Soil Chemistry. My writings are certainly not in their class, and are destined to be soon forgotten, if not already forgotten.

Have you ever heard someone say, "I am busier in retirement than I ever was when working!" It's true! But why? Simply because the person is now free to pursue all the "whys" that appeared in their mind prior to retirement. They are now free to pursue whatever they wish, and are no longer restricted by expectations. One must always remember, though, that energy level has decreased so it takes longer to reach results. (And one must factor in an afternoon nap.) Life becomes more interesting than ever before.

In my case, questions have migrated to such as: "Who are my ancestors?" "Could I run a business?" "Was the beginning really a Big Bang, and, if so, how did that really happen?" "Could I be a successful photographer?" And so on and so on. Of course, there are also those remaining Soil Chemistry questions that I never managed to address. To this is added: "Sure, I can write you something on that subject." "Sure, I can help you get that on the internet." and a variety of other "Sure, I can . . .") Retirement life is interesting, and I am beginning to become tired -- not ready to give up, though! I still have too many who, why, where, when, how questions to ask. My mind still go on non-stop, but my body is saying it is time to embrace the fact that you will soon be 80 years old, and I am wearing out. I don't wanna embrace that!