Dr. Clemons

Learn (Laugh), Remember, and Reconsider

Two tired hunters straggled out of the wintry, dark woods and huddled around my family's fire. They sipped hot chocolate and gratefully ate. Suddenly, one pointed to the east and whispered. His buddy whispered something back. Despite the dark you could see their sheepish grins as they confessed they'd realized their camp was 40 yards away. Uncle Roy set them at ease saying "That's okay - what's the use of being stupid if you can't show it off once in awhile." I routinely tell this to myself when I do something stupid, and believe that life's lessons (e.g. the importance of laughing and laughing at yourself) can be learned in the most mundane ways:

As a sophomore in college I somewhat accidentally smiled at, and said hello to, an obviously unhappy, unpopular young woman. Her genuinely appreciative smile taught me how easy and important it was to treat people with simple human decency.

When I started running year-round I rediscovered, despite what some students may think, that I am not the wicked witch. When I get wet, I don't melt. But, being out in the weather does help keep me grounded.

Moreover, I've learned key lessons about life while playing basketball, playing cards, and playing with small children.

Granted, commonsense is not a substitute for the hard work of learning to think critically and write clearly, developing a tolerance for ambiguity, or an appreciation for complexity. And - funny thing - one may realize, even in the middle of it, that hard work can be satisfying. One may also discover amidst the discomfort that ambiguity and complexity are not as scary as you thought and that the richness they bring improves the quality of life.

But, by itself, being open to learning is not enough. Two other components are necessary. The first part is another conviction arrived at years ago, yet it is still the best advice I give myself. "Work diligently and persistently not to forget what you've learned."

Life's lessons, even when you've been as blessed as I have, are hard. Failing to remember them, and failing to act on them, is a lot like continuing to do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results each time. Trust me, that's not a winning formula.

The second complementary component is this: it is okay to admit that you aren't sure what you believe. A humble acknowledgment of doubt, of valid arguments by multiple sides, and of the need for more facts, more analysis, and diverse perspectives is not weakness, but strength.

This doesn't free you from the obligations to make decisions or to act (we do need an active, informed, educated citizenry), but it does require the sort of approach taught through a liberal arts education.

In sum, look for important lessons in everyday life and seek them through serious study. Strive to remember the lessons that you have learned. Have the courage to doubt, to question, and to be willing to reconsider what you believe. And, laugh.

About Dr. Clemons

Dr. Clemons, who joined the faculty in the fall of 1989, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science. His favorite aspects about Mercyhurst: "My colleagues, the students, and our alumni; being part of the community at a small, private, liberal arts college committed to the values of excellence, service, and justice; the fact that I've been able to teach courses that students have found helpful."