One of the rarest terms in the English language is, ‘I don’t know.’  Very few people are wise enough to concede that they are clueless about a topic but are prepared to learn from those who do know.

I admit to being clever at very little. I am more GSI (Get Someone In) than DIY. On many subjects, I am cerebral plankton so if you have problems with your computers or car call an expert. The only problem is that today everyone claims to be an expert.

The same applies to a modern car’s system. I learned to drive at a simpler age when you pulled the choke. If that didn’t work you got the cranking handle from the boot, jabbed it in the hole beneath the radiator and swung it; a bit like starting an aeroplane.

These days if you want the job explaining you will find the answers at the local bar. I imagine the conversation will go something like this: ‘What do you do for a living, Mike?’

‘Actually, I am a global strategist and economic analyst.’

‘Good. What do you need to know?’

Most of us watch mainstream news, Be honest; have you ever heard a politician when asked a question reply; ‘I have no idea; I am clueless.’

No, he would rather flounder and the consequences are often cringe-making. I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s maxim: ‘Better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.’

Online forums and social media can be useful too if you need to figure out a way of sorting the Middle East out or need to know where President Biden or Trump went wrong. No one seems able to accept that we can’t be clever or knowledgeable about everything and just let it be; accept it.

I was once privileged to assess the business practices of a factory in which garden furniture was made. Local authorities run it provided training and employment for people who suffer from Down’s syndrome.

It was one of the best lessons of my life. Before I realised the true nature of the business it was explained to me by the factory’s manager that the workforce had learning difficulties. Okay; who am I to be judgemental?

I was then asked by the boss if I had difficulty with any subjects. How long have you got? There were plenty but I freely confessed to being dumb when it came to number-crunching and I found high technology perplexing.

‘You have learning difficulties then,’ he said.

The point taken I was shown around the factory and introduced to a workforce suffering from Down’s Syndrome clearly had ‘learning difficulties.’  Equally clearly their furniture products were made to the highest possible standards.

He told me that those who suffered from the condition were highly focused.  Attention to detail was typical and nothing short of perfection would do.

Consequently, their furniture was better than that made by those who would never accept they had learning difficulties. Lesson learned. You know, there are times when the nicest meal of all is humble pie. MICHAEL WALSH.

THE DOVETAILS HOTEL A charming romantic comedy that dares to discover the taboo pleasures of a ménage a trois relationship. Michael Walsh award-winning novelist amusingly reveals the amorous love bond of Gareth and his two attractive lady friends who are happy to share more than just friendship with the debonair novelist.  LINK TO BOOK https://tinyurl.com/t4bfj754

THE ENIGMA OF TIFFANY Michael Walsh Award-Winning Writer. The elegant and glamorous Tiffany is a rich widow with a shady and shocking past when she meets Gareth, Leonara and Felicity holidaying on the Spanish Riviera. But who is Tiffany and Pegasus her gay partner? A romantic comedy with an ending that has you reaching for your Kleenex.   A reader writes, ‘I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ There is girl talk, excitement, revelations, dilemmas, compromises, romance, and at times pathos. LINK TO BOOK    https://tinyurl.com/52nmpnjz