uan Ponce deLeon searched for the Fountain of Youth in
Florida; I found it in Atlanta. But the fountain wasn't a glorious, uplifting
swirl of flowing water; it was a man, Robert Ellis. Friends called him "Bob";
family members called him "Ellie". I met him only once, and I
called him "Mr. Ellis."
Mr. Ellis was a retired high school physics teacher. His son-in-law, Steve, said that he was a master of the simple machine: inclined plane, lever and fulcrum, wheel. Moreover, Steve said that Ellie could do extremely heavy, demanding work without ever straining himself because he knew how to use the machines, or even to make the machines if necessary. I would also bet that when he drove his car he never tailgated, for he undoubtedly knew and understood that
Mr. Ellis was a man who knew the physics of living, but he was also the youngest 70+ year old person I have ever known. He openly and willingly told me the secret of his youth, the magical elixir, the waters of this fountain. It was surprisingly simple: He had resolved to learn at least one totally different, new skill each year of his life. And he did.
I thought that this was a wonderful way to structure one's life, so I emulated him. Perhaps I was already doing this to some extent, as my Dad and Mother were much like Mr. Ellis in their desire to learn.
Over the years in my efforts to follow this philosophy of learning I have delved into a variety of areas from bookbinding to motorcycle maintenance to sewing and even to parachuting. If measured by conventional standards, I have never achieved greatness in any endeavor; I am the consummate dilettante. But I have found great joy in pursuing knowledge and in finding within myself abilities to do a great number of different things. A type of self-reliance has evolved that gives confidence and pleasure.
Last year was the "Year of Bamboo". I learned much about bamboo, sought its growth habitats, transplanted it, made things of it. What's ahead? I do not know. What I DO know is that there are many exciting pursuits to follow, and I will never live long enough to satisfy this thirst for learning. But as I listen and learn, I too am standing at the Fountain of Youth with the spirit of Mr. Ellis near me, quietly looking over my shoulder.