The Laughing Wolf

Way Of The Wolf: What Are You In Life?

In modern life, it seems like everyone is Master of this, Expert at that, or Lord of this other thing. We all want to be recognized for our expertise, knowledge, or other good qualities, yet in so doing it is easy to overreach.

No one is an expert in everything, nor should one try to present oneself as the ultimate authority on any one subject. It is impossible to know a great deal about all subjects, and while you may truly be an expert on one subject, how can you possibly know that you are the ultimate expert on it? There may well be, and likely is, someone out there who knows something on that subject that you don’t.

With the advent of the Internet, there is also a tendency to declare oneself Master, Expert, Lord, or some other title without any real practical experience. Everything is learned, read, and “done” on the Internet without any real-world experience. Without roots in the real world, and without real-world practical experience, this simply cannot be.

Instead of declaring oneself as something higher, consider this instead: declare yourself a student. When a student visits a group or place, they are expected to learn. People will often go out of their way to help them with the process, to be sure that they have mastered fine points, subtleties, and other catches in that particular thing, whatever it may be. People share the little things, the important things, that often don’t make it into books or postings; and, they share the wisdom that goes with the knowledge. This is a priceless thing, and a true Master at anything seeks it with a passion.

If you are indeed a leader, an expert, a master, a lord or whatever, it will be seen in your actions. You will show your knowledge, and your wisdom, in your actions and will not have to brag about it. You will show your true status by how you share your knowledge, your wisdom, and the fruits of your efforts. By this you will be judged, and how you act, write, or do will show you for what you truly are in life. Let others award you titles.

As for me, I am proud simply to be a student, in all things

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