I love mathematics. Most people find that odd. But it’s what I do, and it’s a good thing that I and others with similar strange tastes have that love. Because, in my case (and I’m not alone), I filled a need for thousands over the years. For future engineers or nurses or elementary school teachers. All and more were required to take some level of mathematics.
It occurred to me that this type of situation happens over and over. That is, there’s a need and, for that need, there’s a way of satisfying it.
Think about it. When you desire something, isn’t it likely that it’s available somewhere? If you need a gizmo, there probably is someone or some company that makes gizmos. You may not have wanted to gain the knowledge to make it yourself, but somebody did.
It’s amazing that, when you take a world full of people, we all enter different slots but, when all the slots are put together, most of our needs are met. There are plumbers, teachers, athletes, librarians, lawn maintenance folks, pilots, and much much more.
We all have our individual talents and they differ sufficiently so that needs can be satisfied.
I realize that the system is in some sense self-correcting. Some people enter fields because there is a lack of expertise in that field which means a greater livelihood for those who gain that expertise. That’s why vocational schools serve such a wonderful purpose, as do what used to be called community colleges.
Sometimes there are needs that are not even recognized as such. Then an enterprising person might see this and create a solution. Laptop computers and cell phones come to mind. As do lights that can be attached to shoes so runners can see better in the dark while simultaneously warning motorists of their existence. And the Gutenberg press and radio and the cotton gin.
So when you need a toothbrush, be glad it’s made somewhere. Or dog leashes or ice cream cones.
Previously I never really thought much about this, but now I’m astounded that for any need it is highly likely there will be someone to satisfy it.
Amazing!
It occurred to me that this type of situation happens over and over. That is, there’s a need and, for that need, there’s a way of satisfying it.
Think about it. When you desire something, isn’t it likely that it’s available somewhere? If you need a gizmo, there probably is someone or some company that makes gizmos. You may not have wanted to gain the knowledge to make it yourself, but somebody did.
It’s amazing that, when you take a world full of people, we all enter different slots but, when all the slots are put together, most of our needs are met. There are plumbers, teachers, athletes, librarians, lawn maintenance folks, pilots, and much much more.
We all have our individual talents and they differ sufficiently so that needs can be satisfied.
I realize that the system is in some sense self-correcting. Some people enter fields because there is a lack of expertise in that field which means a greater livelihood for those who gain that expertise. That’s why vocational schools serve such a wonderful purpose, as do what used to be called community colleges.
Sometimes there are needs that are not even recognized as such. Then an enterprising person might see this and create a solution. Laptop computers and cell phones come to mind. As do lights that can be attached to shoes so runners can see better in the dark while simultaneously warning motorists of their existence. And the Gutenberg press and radio and the cotton gin.
So when you need a toothbrush, be glad it’s made somewhere. Or dog leashes or ice cream cones.
Previously I never really thought much about this, but now I’m astounded that for any need it is highly likely there will be someone to satisfy it.
Amazing!
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