Commenting

Although I have no authority, I give myself permission to have authority in the affairs of my own life. If someone wishes to comment usefully on those affairs, better they have an equal, comparable or, preferably, greater authority.

When we recognise in someone a “greater authority” to our own, wise to seek them out and ask for their advice and guidance: we are recognising in them the potential to be/become an instructor, perhaps even a teacher. This recognition on our part may trigger, catalyse and/or facilitate the capacity in them. If we approach them and demand instruction/teaching, we may set in motion a course of events that enable the latent/potential to become actual; even when the prospective instructor has the intelligence to decline.

Where I lack a comparable or equal authority, may I have the wit to remain quiet and the restraint to keep my opinions to myself. If I have the temerity, audacity, or arrogance to make uninformed comment, and I am unable to hold my opinions in check, better that I share them with those of equal or comparable cluelessness.

Robert Fripp
DGM Live Diaries
Friday 21st. March, 2003
Vancouver, Canada