Reading about the everyday nature of climbing at the gym, I'm surprised by how the concept of its design affects people's moods. I'm sorry it was an uncomfortable experience for you and your youngest daughter. Don't go back there.
I think you should be where you feel comfortable. Of course, it's good to try things out to distinguish.
Regarding the comment about the smug attitude of college graduates, you're right. Some people grow up, but I don't think they're the majority. Especially when life hits hard against egos. Success doesn't always favor the most educated, at least not formally.
For a couple of weeks now, I've been visiting Substack and found an article that talked about the distinction between smart and cultured. I remembered my father, who only managed to finish his sophomore year of high school. Not for lack of intelligence, no. He was very intelligent, but being the eldest son of a couple who were divorcing at the time, he had to abandon formal education to help support my grandmother and uncles.
The article hosted on Substack made it clear that being cultured didn't imply great intelligence, only effort and dedication to acquiring knowledge and the skills generally appropriate for society. So, those who boast about their academic degrees are probably fools. Stay away from them, even if it's not contagious through direct contact. Gosh! I feel like I'm in a state of déjà vu!
I wonder how many scrolls Socrates boasted of?
Like you, I'm not criticizing professionals with academic degrees. They have their merits. When I look in the mirror every day, I see one, and I know how it feels. But time teaches us that it's useless if you don't behave with humility.
I love being in touch with you through the wonderful, asynchronous digital experience of Hive. You broaden my perspective. I don't know any climbers around me. At most, I see only them on film (damn, what did I say? Everything is digital in IMAX now).
Have a great weekend, full of blessings and good things.
RE: An Epiphany for the Week