Constellations

During my adolescence, I spent time planning my trek through life. This process was not always conscious; in fact, I think that nearly everyone at that age begins to plan out their life’s travels. Part of the process involves finding people who have gone before you (the very definition of the Japanese term sensei) who will serve as guiding stars to help direct us through life.

Over time, one can accumulate these stars and form a constellation; that is; a group of people whose lives serve as wisdom for us at a time where wisdom is scarce.
When I think of those men who formed my constellation, I see that it’s quite a diverse group, and is based primarily on availability at the time.

My first was certainly my own father, which is probably common for people. My father had a strong work ethic, and I am sure that I get my restless ambition from him. Second was probably Arnold Schwarzenegger. I was given his autobiography when I was 14 and read it with great excitement, based on my own interest in weight lifting. Arnold too had a strong work ethic. Another star provided the soundtrack of my life. Jimmy Page, the guitarist of Led Zeppelin fame, created a diverse palette of moods that I could experiment with. Although I hadn’t known much about Mr. Page’s personal life (he is a private person), his music taught me much. I picked up the guitar to learn to play like him.

I was fortunate to have worked many jobs between ages 13 and 20, and those jobs provided many older men who also because stars of various brightness that guide me.

In retrospect, I can see that all of them were hard workers.

Thus my concept of manhood was less a form of fashion or genetics, but more a focus on providing for, building, and achieving. I am proud of have dedicated, for the last 20 year thus far, to travelling through time using these men as guides.