Richard the Tenth

Tolerate or Teach

"Nice to meet you, Bob."

"Yeah, I've been here for a while."

"Did I mention I climbed Everest ten times?"

"Wow, that is great, Richard. Ten times."

"No, it was nothing, Bob. Don't mention it. Really, you shouldn't. It was just part of my job."

"Wow, Richard, that's incredible."

"No, it was nothing, really. Did I mention I climbed Vinson Massif twenty-five times? That's the highest peak in Antarctica."

"Wow, Richard, that really is amazing."

"Bob, you really shouldn't mention it. It was just part of my work. I'd really feel more comfortable if we talked about something else."

"Of course, Richard. I understand how you feel. I'm sorry if—"

"Bob, don't worry about it."

"Richard, I'm sorry."

"Look, Bob, no negative attitudes, please. We don't tolerate them on the mountains, and we sure aren't going to tolerate them here."

"Sorry, Richard. Sorry."

"That's okay. As my favorite wise man once said: tolerate or teach. Tolerate or teach."

"By the way, Bob, did I tell you… did I tell you…"

"No, Richard. You didn't. You didn't. And that's okay. The best is sometimes left unsaid."

"Tolerate or teach, Richard."

"Tolerate or teach."

Richard looks back at Bob, confused.

A story by Pemba Umoja