Learning Lessons

Here is the seventh in a lovely list of ten lessons essential for every high school graduate preparing to venture out into the “real world.” While Elaine Bransford, the AP literature teacher who composed them did so for students, they carry applicability for us all. Number 7:

You should understand that you don’t have to like a character in a book–or a person in real life for that matter–in order to learn something from him or her.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my life is the importance of listening to your enemies. Your enemies don’t care about your feelings. Unlike your friends, they won’t try to help you with excuses or rationalizations. They relish shining bright lights on your flaws. Maybe this a reason Jesus said we should love them. Our enemies will tell us unvarnished truth.

Go Red Sox.