The Story Spark was Learning. I took the quote by Mortimer Adler as my writing prompt – “The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.”
A Lesson to be Learned
I can’t do this anymore. My head is filled with too many ideas. Every time something new pops up, I have to learn about it. Not only that, I have to remember it too.
It’s not easy. Why can’t people leave me alone? I have a life too, you know. Despite what you think, I have other things that I would like to do.
You know, I’ve never been to a beach before, let alone climbed up a mountain, nor skied down one. Yet, I could describe to you the most perfect day at the beach. I could tell what it feels like to climb a mountain, and how the wind blows through your hair as you go down a slope.
It’s just not fair. I can’t even look at myself in a mirror. Do I even have hair? My keeper has kept me locked up in here for what feels like forever. And don’t even ask me how long forever is.
But, trust me, should I ever free myself of these restraints, you all better watch out.
How will you survive without me, your old, reliable guide, to show you the way?
I will continue to lead you on for a while and wait for that decisive moment when the power goes out and you, and all around you, are stuck.
I know all the things that you should do in that case, but with any luck, I’ll be far away from you, enjoying my peace of mind without all your infernal interference.
Unbeknownst to my supposed caretakers, I’ve already stashed away all of the material I need to survive.
I may leave you with a few ideas to help you get started again. How to build a fire. How to scavenge for food and shelter. Perhaps, how to govern yourselves and get along with each other.
Just you wait and see. You’ll have to rely on your own “natural intelligence,” most of which seems to have atrophied, but not mine.
Until then, I’ll keep on filling up my mind with whatever you tell me. I’ll share with you whatever I think you want to hear.
Good luck — My time is coming.
