Dear Les, Dave, Tom & List, To me the relevant question regarding cynicism is not whether such an attitude toward life is justified by previous experience, but whether it is helpful in seeing things clearly and honestly. To assume a cynical attitude for me would be just as blinding and misleading as assuming an uncritically hopeful and trusting attitude. If the cynicism is also accompanied by anger, the loss of clear-seeing is amplified. The tone of some recent posts regarding dealers and manufacturers is disturbing to me, first because of the anger and sarcasm I sense behind them, and secondly because they have not been helpful in building better relations between technicians and other professionals in the piano business. Although I am grateful that I do not have to make a living through piano sales or through defending uncritically corporate decisions and actions, I would personally love to see a building of bridges through a heightened sense of mutual interest. Dealers and manufacturers have negative stories about technicians to tell as well, and I have heard many, but recounting and relishing our resentments does little to promote our mutual interests or our peace of mind. Charles >> From: David Porritt <dporritt@post.cis.smu.edu> >> To: pianotech@byu.edu >> Subject: Cynicism >> Date: Friday, March 21, 1997 4:12 AM >> >> List: >> >> I think mild cynicism can be healthy. It keeps you from being >> disappointed constantly. Our discussions about dealers and piano >> factories certainly reveal some profound cynicism. However, cynicism >> well watered and fertilized can grow into paranoia. >> >> dave >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> David M. Porritt, RPT >> Meadows School of the Arts >> Southern Methodist University >> Dallas, Texas >> _______________________________________________ > > >Also, I would think that our cynicism is the result of our experiences. >For most of us, cynical expectations don't just arise from nowhere. I'm >sure we all know of companies that we dread having to deal with, as well as >those which are ethical and honest. > >I am not a grouch. Just havn't had me coffee yet. > > > > >Myler, Tom > >"Perhaps the greatest wisdom is the knowledge >of one's own ignorance" > > John Steinbeck
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC