Old Russian Proverb

There is an Old Russian proverb, “Little drops of water wear down big stones."  A few years ago we took a trip to Pompeii, Italy.  My wife and I were so taken by this city that was buried under the ash from a catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning two days in the year AD 79. The eruption buried Pompeii under 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) of ash and pumice, and it was lost for nearly 1700 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1749. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire.

One of thousands of interesting things that we learned and still consider today was related to the stone foundations that were used to build the public fountains around the city. Aside from the very interesting infrastructure that was characteristic of the city, there was another very interesting fact that our tour guide shared with us. Historians tell us that the population was largely “right handed” which was interesting, however more interesting was how that determination was made from the public fountains. The guide went on to explain that to drink from the fountain required that the thirsty patron lean over one of the walls of the fountain to be able to catch the water which flowed in a stream from the fountain. The water drinking patron would need to hold themselves up with one hand and cup the water with their naturally used hand. Historians pointed out that the side of the fountain which was worn the most was that used by the right handed drinkers.

Today the internet is like the water that carves rock and the hand that slides over the stone of a foundation. For thousands of years the actions of others can be studied and we are able to learn and study from our interpretations of the facts. My business is about teaching people what works best in selling, relationships, management and leadership. Every day that I teach and interact I learn much more as I am sure that you do as well. Please respond in any way to my posts and let me know that you are on this path with me.