At times, I feel a little like a fish out of water. In Moscow, I loved the discussions and debates, the papers and the books, and all the nerdy things that made up my college education; but back here in Canada, that sort of thing seems to be looked down on. I was talking to one of my co-workers the other day, and he was talking about a relative who was into philosophy. "But that's not for me," he said. "I'd rather do something."
As if philosophy isn't doing something. I know what he means, though. He means doing something physical, rather than just sitting around, doing (for all he can see) absolutely nothing. It's a rather interesting kind of snobbery, though, if you think about it. We look down on people who read, who like to debate philosphical or theological issues, who enjoy discussing hypotheticals. I've even heard people up here bragging about how they don't read, how they haven't picked up a book in years. Of course, the opposite type of snobbery is still very real. Those who read regularly often mock those who make a living doing seemingly menial tasks, the "common" people, the ordinary citizens.
It would be nice to see a more balanced appreciation for these two types of people. After all, we aren't all exactly the same and we shouldn't all try to have exactly the same careers. If we all just "worked" or if we all just "thought", the world would be a very boring place. We ought to recognize our need for both careers, and show gratitude for those who have chosen a path different from our own. The philosphers or theologians should not see themselves as having a loftier vocation than the garbage man, but the garbage man shouldn't mock the very real work that these thinkers do. And it might help to go over to the other side once in a while. I'd like to see a professor with his hands dirty or a oilfield worker with a book in his hand. Wouldn't that be amazing?
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