Very good essay over at Gonzo’s:
I’ve spent nearly fifty years on God’s Earth, and in this time I have been a Painter, Writer, Teacher, Engineer, Student, Business Owner, and Gentleman Farmer, not to mention husband (badly) and Father (My kids love me, and are self sufficient, so let them judge.) I’ve earned degrees, enough to know that once you know how to jump through University hoops, they aren’t impressive. In that time I have met in my life men and women from all walks of life, from the dregs of humanity to truly noble individuals.
I have developed a preference for associating with what I call “Salt of the Earth” types. These are people who are stubbornly independent and self-sufficient, who work hard and play hard, and who possess a degree of common sense which is rather uncommon. I have found that most the time such people tend to live apart from most others, and have an attitude for most of “Leave me be. Do what you want, but don’t drag me into it.” They may join you on their own, but if you try to include them in on what you are doing without a proper “By Your Leave” they will cross their arms, dig in their heels and refuse. They are principled people; ones who don’t have an elaborate code of conduct but base their dealings on immutable principles and truths that they have seen bear out as ways to live and deal with others.
Truth, Lies and In Between 