The Art of Seeing?

The Art of Seeing?

The Art of Seeing?

“People only see what they are prepared to see.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Ted Williams was a legendary hitter.  The key to his success wasn’t just native ability.  Ted Williams worked extremely hard to prepare himself to be a great hitter.  He would take so many practice swings his hands would crack and become bloody.  He walked down the street with one eye closed to strengthen his distance vision.  With a great swing and an eye trained to focus on that speeding speck of a baseball, he produced extraordinary results. 

Vincent van Gogh had a very turbulent and sad life.  Had it not been for his younger brother, Theo, he might not have become a famous painter. Theo believed in his brother, and this faith sustained Vincent.  Theo was financing the education of Vincent and supplying him with paints, canvas, food, and lodging.  But so far Vincent had been a big disappointment and hadn’t demonstrated much effort or vision for the investment Theo was making in him.  In a difficult confrontation, Vincent pleaded, “I want to paint.  I have something inside of me that says I must paint.  Don’t pin me down.  Don’t pen me in.  I must paint.”  Theo replied, “All right, all right, but learn how to hold the brush.” Both Ted Williams and Vincent Van Gogh ultimately rose to be stars in their respective fields.  Ted Williams got there largely on his own determination and desire.  Vincent Van Gogh needed accountability and direction from a family member who was constant when others had no faith in Vincent. "Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it" —Ralph Waldo Emerson

 (from my friend John A. Warnick)