I recently came across this Facebook group called Wisdom of Stoicism. Yeah, I still think Facebook sucks, but like I've said a million times, I will continue to use it because everyone else does. In any case, my FB feed is mostly science, Star Trek, astronomy, and other things I find entertaining (dog stuff, etc.). It's good "bathroom reading" if you know what I mean.

They recently published a few graphics that I really enjoyed. Like this one (see first comment below).

This is absolutely true, especially when it comes to something like Access development. You can read all the books, watch all the videos, and absorb tons of information. But until you actually build a database, you will not fully understand the nuances, the real-world challenges, and the creative problem-solving involved. Even then, the best way to solidify your knowledge is to teach someone else.

Every time I redo one of my videos, I learn something new. Whether it is refining a concept, clarifying an explanation, or discovering a more efficient approach, teaching forces me to think deeply about the topic. If there is someone in your life who could benefit from what you have learned, whether it is Access, programming, or anything else, take the time to mentor them. Not only will you help them grow, but you will also reinforce and deepen your own understanding in the process.

I have always been interested in Stoicism. I do not agree with all of it, but a lot of it resonates with me, especially the focus on thinking rationally and scientifically. I used to think it reminded me most of Mr. Spock, with his strict adherence to logic and emotional control. But in some ways, Captain Picard actually embodies Stoic principles more. He is logical, self-controlled, and principled, but he also understands the importance of emotions and their place in decision-making.

Later episodes of Star Trek made this even clearer. When Spock appeared in The Next Generation in Unification, he and Picard had deep discussions about logic, diplomacy, and the future of Vulcan and Romulan unification. Spock himself came to understand how logic is essential, but it is just the starting point for deeper wisdom when he said, "Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end," to Lieutenant Valeris in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

That idea aligns with Stoicism, which is not about suppressing emotions completely but about mastering them, thinking clearly, and responding to life's challenges with reason instead of impulsive reactions.

But then Spock goes and attacks Valeris with that mind meld... I guess the "good of the many" outweighed a brutal mental assault... bad writing there, I say. Spock wouldn't have done that.

What was I talking about again? Oh yeah... teach someone something today. :)