More on Nicely Blended People!

Character
"Character is higher than intellect."~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
 When I find these quotes, they can really challenge me, especially the short ones, like the one above! So to simplify it in my mind.... an intellectual man is not necessarily a man of character. A man of character is not necessarily a intellectual man. So I guess it boils down to which one you would rather have. Yes I agree that character is higher than intellect, but wouldn't it be nice to find a human with a nicely blended combination. A human that always does the right thing when no one is looking and is smart enough to know that the consequences are his alone if he doesn't.
When I photographed this old pump I was amazed by it's character. I loved that it wasn't perfect. I loved that it is weathered and has served it's purpose well. I loved that it is an uncomplicated piece of metal that is understood no matter the intellect of the person using it.

So lets retract for a moment, throw all these points into a blender and I think we will find a person with just some plain old common sense. Yes, I like that, common sense! Now doesn't this theory just tie things altogether nicely. Common sense, there seems to be a shortage sometimes. I wonder if you can get some good old fashioned common sense at the pump? A small price to pay for integrity!
I do know of such a person, with the perfect combination. Happy Birthday. It is my father-in-law's 87th birthday today. We love you Dad!


See you all in St. Louis later on today!