OLE GRAMPS
I think that at this point I would choose my grandfather, William Ralph Andersen. He was one of the greatest influences on my life, and I owe a lot to the great dude. My grandfather is a scientist at heart and he researched and taught plant genetics here at BYU. He is one of the most deeply spiritual people I know, and he had a way of combining his scientific perspectives with the truths of the gospel. He really just had a thirst and desire for truth and light, and sought truth from where ever he could find it. I want to hear more of his thoughtful and intelligent insights which often helped me to gain a greater perspective on life, or whatever the topic of conversation was. I want to be able to talk about the fundamental problems our world is facing, and the nature and critical components that are necessary for adequate solutions to these problems.
I think that because my grandpa and I were so close, he was aware of my strengths and weaknesses. In this class it has been pointed out that we need to make our impact when we are ready. There is also the famous quote from Ghandi which coincide with this idea, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. I’m seeking to more fully change and prepare myself to better make my contribution. I think that my Grandpa could be a great assistance in my process of personal enlightenment. He helped to bring out the best in me, and in doing so, helped me to realize my potential as well as where my skills and passions lie.
I just went to the Da Vinci exhibit in Salt Lake this weekend. Even though Da Vinci is most known for Mona Lisa and the Last Supper, I was more amazed with his scientific mind. He had over 6000 pages of inventions and other innovative designs. If you are drawn (no pun intended) to those who are scientific at heart and you haven’t explored the depth of De Vinci… you may want to check it out.
I realized that some of the most amazing people I’ve ever heard of were people very close to me in my life, too. That is such a huge blessing, don’t you think? I think we are really lucky to be able to interact with the incredible people we do every day.
Hmm, my great grandpa was a scientist also. He invented maraschino cherries and sea and ski sunscreen but he also lived from 1904 to 2004. 100 years! I grew up with him alive for a good portion of my life but I would love to be able to talk to him today and get his perspective on the world and the problems we face today. Wisdom is priceless indeed.
I really like, when all options were made available to you, you chose someone who you already had access to. For me this shows that one’s influence and the truth they have obtained is more important than their prestige or popularity. This is a really mature approach to this question. I believe that by choosing someone who knows you well, you would be able to receive more applicable advice quicker than if you were to interview someone who had no real appreciation for who you are and the potential contribution you could offer to the world. This was a great post my friend.