Shamrocks and bagpipes and green beer

CURIOUS ABOUT SHAMROCKS?

“Knowledge is of two kinds.  We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information on it.”

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) the lexicographer, critic and poet who practically single-handedly invented the idea of the dictionary as we know it made that observation in 1775. (And he said it long before there was such a way-to-find-it concept as internet search and a word like “Google” to include in his magnum opus.)

In the ongoing attempt to blog what I hope are entertaining ideas for your information and inspiration, I’m surprised how often I come across information that contradicts or, at least, sheds new light on a “fact” I thought I knew.

For example: In the search for a St. Patrick’s Day item, I came across the St. Urho’s Day info I shared yesterday. I also gained some new information about the plant composed of three leaflets now used as the symbol of Ireland –

The shamrock: Shamrocks will be tough to avoid today, that’s for sure. An artificial shamrock leaf is customarily worn or displayed by those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. According to legend, St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity.

So that got me thinking:

Just what is a shamrock?

And with just a little research I learned that the actual species of the true shamrock has long been debated. Among shamrock authorities, the plants most favored and used as an emblem are several of the 500 or so species of clover – in Latin, trifolium, for three leaves.

Ah, clover.

Then what about the four-leaf clover? Is it because it’s rare that finding a four-leaf clover is regarded as lucky? (That’s how my thinking goes.) 

Actually, no. Rather the tradition can be traced back to Europe in the Middle Ages. There a four-leaf clover’s resemblance to a cross gave rise to its being thought of as a token of good luck.

Then bagpipes come to mind. (Again, that’s how my thinking goes.)

It’s hard to imagine a St. Patrick’s Day celebration without them. Given that strong association, the consensus view would probably be that bagpipes originated in Scotland or Ireland. So perhaps it’s surprising to learn that bagpipes were invented in the area we now call Iran. In the First Century they were taken to what expansion-minded Romans called Brittania.

I could go on. And on.

But I’ll stop here and ask, rhetorically, what I suspect many of you are thinking:

What’s the use of all this trivia?

Takeaway #1: It’s interesting -- to me, anyway; and interesting enough to you that you read this far. In the spirit of lifelong learning, being curious stretches your thinking. It broadens your perspective. It informs other opinion. It gives you something to engage other people about and, when you communicate that way, you learn even more.

Takeaway #2 (with apologies to Dr. Johnson): It reminds us, once again, that sometimes even what “we know” is not so. It seems, in the 21st Century we are bombarded with “information” every waking moment. But in order to be true students and practitioners of lifelong learning, we can’t be passive receivers of that information. There’s very little that can be – or should be – taken at face value these days.

St. PAT’S ACTION IDEA: Keep your capacity for independent thought. Hone your critical thinking skills. Search diligently for all the information you feel you need to make sound, well-informed judgments and decisions. Ask the questions you need to ask. Challenge the answers you get until you’re satisfied with the validity of those answers.

You don’t have to be Irish. Being curious is enough. Enjoy a green bagel today and a green beer.

(Just what’s all that green about? If you care enough, go find out.))

Geoff Steck

Chief Catalyst
Alexander Publishing & Marketing
8 Depot Square
Englewood, NJ 07631
201-569-5373

tgimguy@gmail.com   

P. S. Here’s an Irish Blessing for all the curious: “May you never forget what is worth remembering, or remember what is best forgotten.”