discipline, that's what you will learn here

i don't like to re-tie my shoelaces each time i put on my shoes. I like to be able to just slip them on and off, preferably without even bending over. I once had an instructor who witnessed my shoe putting-on routine and he was sure this lack of shoe tying desire was evidence of a weak mind and spirit. He seemed compelled to express his disdain. I spent some time amazed by the inappropriate level of repulsion he demonstrated, and although I might have entertained the notion that his assessment could have been right; i did not (and still do not) possess the character trait necessary to change my slovenly habit. The reason the story does not end there, is that I have found out, now a few years later, it was actually the instructor who was lacking in a lot more than spirit. He didn't have to go to prison, but he should have. What most likely concerned him, was far more entangled and personal than my laziness. I give a lot of credit to people who try to truly and honestly give respect to their fellow humans; that effort is not accomplished without enduring a great deal of stupidity, unpleasantness, and sometimes, depravity.