Be nothing

Humble describes a man who doesn’t have any ideas about himself. In this respect, he’s like a child. Children don’t say “I’m this” or “I’m that.” They just are. Undefined, unconditioned and free.

At my father’s knee

Or some other low joint. “Let me tell you how it is, son. Let me tell you how the world works.” Oh boy. First, we cling to our toys, then to our opinions.

Factual men

Factual men are quiet, kind, humble. Opinionated men are the opposite of that.

Vincent’s boots

Facts are simple, essential and indifferent. Opinions are clamorous, contradictory and attention-seeking.

The golden rule, Hopi-style

In Hopi mythology, Spider Grandmother appears as either an old woman or a common spider. She is appreciated for her wisdom, medicinal remedies and plain-spoken advice. The following conveys her earthiness and spiritual pungency: “Don’t go around hurting people. And try to understand things.”