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Thoughts from Up From Slavery

         Up From Slavery by Booker T Washington was a great book. His speeches really came alive in it. I think when he envisioned an audience his thinking and his writing became more vibrant and clearer. But the rest of it was pretty good. One of the things he wrote about a freed slave he was visiting had a lasting impact on me.

         I do not descend from freed slaves, but his words still affect us all. This particular man wanted to learn French, but Mr. Washington told him that first he must sweep his floor and sew the button on  his shirt. Education was a fine and desirable thing, but self respect was more important. Having orderly surroundings were a first step to an orderly mind. It hit me hard because I was not an orderly person then or now. I don't wear shirts that are missing buttons, but anyone who has read my ramblings knows that I hate housework, and it always torments me. I love to research things, read, write, and learn new things.So I always feel guilty.

         Today is a holiday. I told myself I can write because I'm off from work. I had to drive someone to the airport early today, and then stopped at the store on the way back. So it was late morning when I got home. I would not let myself sit down at the keyboard until the floors were swept and mopped, the dishes were done, and the toilet bowl cleaned, and laundry folded and put away. I even paid a bill and watered the plants on the back porch. So now I can sit and write.

         It's not so easy on work days. Most of us have to make a living. Writing with a clear conscience only 3 or 4 days a year is not very productive. Yet it's interesting how the words of a great teacher and writer can have such a lasting influence on us. That book is not outdated, but is full of practical wisdom that can still be applied today. It should be on every student's reading list.