Why would anyone do what I am doing, as I write this personal story.? Let me explain.
Six months ago I enrolled in a course of “Creative Writing” mentored by Paul Chuctow,
an accomplished and well known writer and critic, but also a helper for those who
would write. He asked everyone in the class why he or she was there, and I, at 88,
said ”I haven’t the slightest idea, but perhaps I will learn something” The truth
was that I hoped to encourage my daughter to join me, for her writing and
communication skills were so underused.
So, Paul forced me to look at my life and ask “Is there something there for
those who might be able to make a difference?” On the coumpter I had written
the story of my life as father, husband, and physician, the idea being to be
sure that any accomplishments are understood as group happenings. In other
words, without the full support of Carol and the girls these “good things”
would not have occurred.
I have read a number of books, all selling millions as readers hope to be
touched with the magic wand of success. The authors seem to be authoritative
as they do little more than catalogue the experience of others. So, can I be
help by speaking from my own experience?
THE MESSAGE as I see it now, at 88 in 2005.
Discovery is not a complex process. The mind with curiosity as the driver
questions every dictum, no matter its general acceptance.This is not a
question of taking nothing for granted, but it does say “Is there a better way?’
Yes, there are three steps that have become clearer to me as the years go by.
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As I review my past, it seems obvious that the first step in DISCOVERY is to
define the problem. By this I mean not to stop at probing as one’s unconscious
mind is bound to do if encouraged. “Apparent” problems are cast aside in the
search. And it is this recognition or discovery of the true problem that makes
Discovery itself a possibility.
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The second step is moving towards the Solution. The clearer the definition
of the problem, the more obvious and prompt the SOLUTION. Of the three steps
this one has seemed to me almost always the least contreversial. At the same
time, it is the most demanding for it requires experience and knowlege combined
with judgement, as it takes its place in the realm of Disvovery.
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But now we come to the difficult part, that of being EFFECTIVE. Very little
is made of this in the ”self-help” and “achievement” best sellers, probably
because the writer is using others’ descriptions of their successes and
failures as examples, rather than seeking to illustrate with his own life.
My intent is quit different. I have no wish to write a Best Seller. for
these thoughts of mine will not touch everyone. It is my hope to reach
just a few young minds who need only encouragement for their individuality
and algabraic mind processes to make the great difference for others as
they unconsiously pursue DISCOVERY. And then beyond DISCOVERY it is my
intent to help the Discoverer accept that what he has wrought carrys
with it the obligation to be EFFECTIVE.
But I have one more piece of advice for the Discoverer. Your Discovery
is likely to be just as unique as are you. Both Willard Goodwin,
Professor at UCLA ,and I have had the repeated experience that our
attempts to stimulate our residents to expand on our ideas always failed.
Thus you, and only you, can see the Discovery to its full potential, and
you must persevere.
What follows are 12 instances in my life where Discovery and Solutions
are manifest. And then the final analysis of each Disvovery is looked
at in terms of its Effeciveness. What were my mistakes or oversights?
What did I learn from them? And what did seeing the Discovery in action,
when accepted, mean to me.
Another 10 Discoveries are not described, for though still illustrative,
there is a point where enough has been said.
Next page: 1947....Discovery #1....A Beginning
Introduction
Gifts from Inheritance
Gifts from Inheritance, page 2
Gifts from Inheritance, page 3
The Open Mind
The Transition..? Metamorphosis.
The Process of Getting There
1947....Discovery #1....A Beginning
Discovery #2 (1947): Thrombophlebitis and Pulmonary Embolism Prevention