I made a comment on Tim's 14th April blog but have to admit that my memory was flawed. This is a copy of the 'piece of paper' that I referred to
Have since 'looked it up'. It is dated 6-11-41. Apart from 'misquoting', have found that the 'original' author of the quote is James Allen.
"Whether you be man or woman you will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honour."
James Allen
However, as well as three letters to my mother, and a few photos, this is the only 'memory' of my father that I have.
How easy it is to 'mis-remember' the words.
3 comments:
I followed that misremembered comment back to you so I could say how wonderful your dad was to be writing such a thing to you.
Wheteher he wrote it or not, he knew it.
I lived with my father for 12 years and not one single articulate or wise word came from him.
He survived bombing the shit out of Mannheim, is still living and still totally puerile in every remark. His parents were wonderful.
Go figure.
Brownie, I still haven't figured out whether it's better to have a 'real' live one, or one that you can 'build a mythology' around. Have to admit that my 'courage' falters far more often than it should, but have a better understanding of 'honour'. heh.
I can't judge either way, I had a father who was "there" in every sense of the word, (occasionally to my distress) and was one of the best men, and best thinkers I ever knew. (I did my best to drive him nuts, but he wouldn't cooperate.)
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