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Proof
NMB, Florida February 3, 2002 A.H. Schectman
THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on Issues, Ideas and Reflections on the Times. Published Now and
Then. Opinions Pro or Con Are Welcome.
PROOF
Carol and I have been giving away our tickets to series of concerts and
plays because she would have difficulty sitting through a performance. We
have been trying out the idea of actually going to one of the shows and
seeking seats behind which she would not be so constricted and be able to
get up and move around. Two such outings were very successful. We gave up
our concert seats in the mezzanine and another where she would not be able
to move about to stretch her new knees straight.
We went to Coral Gables yesterday to see "Proof". Our seats were abandoned
to sit in the last row in the orchestra in armchairs set aside for the
handicapped. They were just what Carol needed. I had a little difficulty
hearing although my hearing aids were at the highest program. Carol wasn't
sure what I was doing but I curled my program to make an amplifier and tried
different positions to see if I could make those aids work even better. I
thought of how I could modify large plastic spoons or other curved materials
and make them into a kind of ear "amplifier" to wear in addition to my aids.
It would look something like the Mickey Mouse ears on hats kids wear - but,
HEY, maybe they could be ...
Proof is an elegant little story. The most interesting thing about it is
that a mathematical problem thought up and unsolved for many, many years was
just announced solved. This was the thesis and axis for the story to
revolve about. But the real story was about trust and belief.
I have learned at great expense that one must listen carefully. A lot of
what people say is written between lines and hidden behind key words and
clues that do not come right out and get in your face. People are
distrustful of others and fear the worst. They are probably right. This is
the basis for little children who are becoming adult have a lot to learn
about telling lies instead of the truth. People we respect have lied to us
a lot in the hope of teaching us to find the truth. This is a difficult
path to follow. It is tragic when our leaders not only lie but are also
guilty of crime and cover up.
Carol's Evaluation: 10 out of 10.
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