There is an unstated principle involved that convinces many of us that we should look at the parts and proceed to assemble them as though we are so wise that instructions are not required. I don't know if this is a "man thing" or if women do the same. It certainly is a common and sometimes humorous approach to believe that "when all else fails, follow the instructions". My computer nerd friends and I have a code that states if you have to look at the software manual you have failed.
Have you ever been on a trip, got lost and then looked at the map? I can't explain this bull headedness phenomenon but it certainly has a strong presence for most of us. Comedians get a lot of mileage from this human frailty.
Their is a serious side to this approach that most of us should recognize and deal with. As we grow older, gain knowledge through experience, and reflect on what we have learned, we sometimes wish we had looked or listened to the instructions and avoided some of our mistakes. Perhaps we could have put the elements of our lives together better and avoided following some of the wrong paths. Why is desperation required to get us on the right track? I can't explain it. Perhaps that is the original and greatest failure of mankind.
Charles Grodin, the talk show host, is a friend of Christopher Reeves. Christopher is better known as Superman. Superman, as most of us know him, was recently paralyzed in a horse riding accident. Charles Grodin says, that although he does not fully understand his feelings about God, but when told about the accident, he immediately prayed to God to help his friend through this trauma.
Interesting isn't it, that when all else fails we can naturally and without hesitation turn to the ever present source of information and guidance that is always unmistakably right.
DAN ROBLING©