CHAPTER 6

Sage's Journal
July 9, 1988
Somewhere over Texas

This vacation in Baja was a much-needed rest. I enjoy being an attorney, although I'm no closer to emotionally detaching myself from some of my clients than I was when I graduated law school. In fact, I can't escape the empathy and remorse I feel for the children who are victims of their parents' ignorance and stupidity.

…the stress is at its height when I meet the children. It's after the family crisis has erupted, and all that's left is for me to pick up the pieces. The truth is, I live that Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme. A child is broken, literally or figuratively, and no matter how hard I try, I can't put all the pieces back together again. Even when I get close to succeeding, I can't erase the pain or knowledge of parental betrayal that's now a part of that child's psyche.

…I wonder whether I should spend less effort on Peter in order to benefit another foster kid. He has greatly matured since we met and has benefited from my time and resources, but maybe I should spend less on him to improve the life of another? Reading those words, I'm embarrassed over my private thought. I can't lessen my efforts and risk his future. I care about him. Besides, he will be on his own soon enough-too soon-and then I will have time to help others.

…deciding which child receives your limited resources is the agonizing process some parents go through daily, especially those who should not be parents because they are emotionally or financially unprepared. One of life's great tragedies is that we're physically able to have children although we're barely adults ourselves. Untold misery could be eliminated if we each waited until a reasonable age and had fewer children. This would free us to help others like Peter.

The vacation also gave me time to resolve how to teach Peter knowledge and wisdom.

First, Peter needs to know how to spot and avoid the many dangers that life presents. I don't mean just being good or not getting busted. He needs the knowledge to identify people and situations that could get him into serious trouble or killed. I bet my old friend Simon will meet and talk with Peter, Simon has nothing else to do.

Second, he needs to know how to think for himself. Most of the daily information we receive isn't useful knowledge. Useful knowledge is what helps us think, reason, and perform as productive people. So Peter needs the knowledge provided by analytical training-some lessons in critical thinking. After he develops the ability to think for himself, he'll have unlimited growth, succeeding more than most of his contemporaries. I'll see if I can get my buddy Ayo to help, he owes me a few favors.

Third, surviving my childhood has shown me that there's some greater power in my life than my own abilities. Peter needs the knowledge and wisdom that comes from such experience, and he needs it sooner than later. I can always lean on Gabriel. He'll help, I'm sure of that.

Fourth, Peter needs the knowledge to be a good leader. Good leaders are made -- not born -- and Peter can be taught to lead as well as anyone. Leaders must first master themselves and then learn human behavior. No one I know has learned and lived this quicker than Eliada. I haven't seen him in awhile, but he'll help me out.

Socratic Method questions for Chapter 6

Understanding the Guide