Principal Reflections

Dear Parents & Friends,

My wife, Annie, gave me a small book many years ago entitled “A Book of Good Advice” by Dr R Brasch and as the titles suggests it contains some stories and tips about solving some of life’s problems. In picking it up recently, I came across a well-thumbed page. 

“Avoid Common Errors” …

Even the most beautifully woven and precious Oriental rug will show some imperfection. This is not the weaver’s fault. On the contrary, it is there with a purpose, meant to express the deeply felt religious conviction that nothing created by humans can ever be perfect. Only God is perfect.

Everyone makes mistakes. The most illustrious of people have erred. Even scientists are not exempt. Paradoxically, not a few significant advances were the result of experiments gone wrong. A typical example is the discovery of penicillin.

Greatness is not shown by being faultless. However, it is true wisdom to recognise errors, to set them right and, not least, to avoid making them again. A little consideration could save us and others much heartache, embarrassment and aggravation. It needs little effort to identify some common mistakes and to learn not to make (or repeat) them:

• To judge people by their outward appearance and demeanour, by some merely skin-deep aspect. Our estimation should be based on the intrinsic quality, the character and not the façade.
• Not to make allowances for the weaknesses in others. We are not slow in making excuses for ourselves.
• To downgrade people and, contemptuously, to describe certain of their traits which, if present in ourselves, we would regard meritorious. A typical example of such prejudiced choice of a value-weighted judgement refers to the attitude of persistency. If displayed by ourselves, we praise it as firmness and determination. If shown by others, we condemn it as obstinacy or stubbornness.
• To believe solely in what our limited mind can grasp at present. After all, what may have appeared impossible not so long ago has become an accepted, everyday reality. We live in a world in which the unexpected has become the commonplace.
• Not to yield to insignificant trifles and make an issue of matters that really are unimportant. This would show small-mindedness.
• Not to alleviate a situation that is within our capabilities of remedying, a neglect we might easily come to regret.
• To avoid pulling our weight and to shirk our duty. Some people are like blisters – they never show up until the work is done! If they only knew how much they miss in not experiencing the thrill of achievement.

All of these are common mistakes and none of us is infallible. After all, it is a truism that ‘to err is human’. But equally true is what Confucius is alleged to have said, that ‘he who has committed an error and does not correct it, is making another mistake’.

Enjoy your weekend!

Peace & Best Wishes.

Jake Madden

(Principal, St Edward's Primary School)