One of the lessons that WPK, Sr. imparted to me, his youngest child, remains fresh in my mind four-plus decades post-tutorial. "Life is not a popularity contest", my father used to tell me, "and if it is, we're not winning." To Dad, being respected meant more than being liked. He never chased affirmation or approval. He was a man of many acquaintances and few friends.
I strive to follow his example. I live my day-to-day by a fairly simple mantra, which is not unsurprising considering I am a fairly simple fellow. I fight hard to attain the best results I can for my clients. I do so by fighting fair. I have little interest in being well-liked. I treat with respect those I encounter in my day-to-day, in my personal life and in my professional life. I neither shape my beliefs to fit my circumstances nor chase trends in an effort to score a seat at the cool kids' table.
You do you. If you believe that you are truly served better by wetting your finger and raising it above your head to better judge the direction in which the wind is blowing before you take a stand or adopt a position, then I shall not waste your time or mine looking to disabuse you of your notion and its inherent folly. If you like, I can provide you the name of a discount medical supply company from which you can purchase a whiplash collar. Presently, and perhaps perpetually, you shall need one. Maybe even more than one.
As for me? I shall be just fine. As always.
It is the lesson one learns from fidelity to the code.
I have learned it well. I continue to learn it better every day.
-AK
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