What Color Is Your Parachute

“What could be more fun than reading, exploring the unknown?”

– Mae C. Jemison, Astronaut 

One sure way to enhance your chances for success is to take in new and additional information. Earning more is always preceded by learning more. Naturally it is best to stay in school, for school is the best place to learn. But for those who have dropped out or have not completed their formal education the answer is the same. Learn!

A priest, a Boy Scout, and a college professor were the only passengers on a small plane. The pilot came back to the cabin and said that the plane was going down, but there were only three parachutes and four people. The pilot then added, “I should have one of the parachutes because I have a wife and three small children.” So he took one and jumped. 

The college professor said, “I should have one of the parachutes because I am the smartest man in the world and everyone needs me.” So he took another parachute and jumped. 

The priest turned to the Boy Scout and said forlornly.” You are young and I am old. I have lived a rich life. You take the remaining parachute, and I’ll go down with the plane.” The Boy Scout smiled back and said, “Relax, Father, that smartest man in the world—the professor—just jumped out with my backpack.”

Learn all you can and keep learning, whether you are six or sixty. The minute you stop learning, life will begin to pass you by. Consider the fate of the college professor who jumped out of the plan without a parachute. The only way to succeed in our fast-paced, ever-changing world, is through constant learning.

I will dedicate myself to lifelong learning.

Printed with permission of the author, Dr. Dennis Kimbro