Harvard Law Degree vs. Climbing 5.10

I notice that I do not get easily impressed on material things or educational background. I went to a single gathering yesterday and one of the guys I talked to kept talking about his Harvard law degree whenever he had a chance. For example, I asked “Where are you from?” and he said “I’m from Louisiana but I went to Harvard law school and spent some time in Boston.” He just went on and on about his law school dorm mates and his plans to retire when he turns 40 and become a professor. He also talked about how lazy he was and that’s why being a professor will be cool – flexible schedule and what not. And he kept going on about his plan to get his Ph.D. So, here I was, a bit annoyed to hear all those stories, telling him “Oh, sounds great! That’s why I already have a Ph.D. I also want to go back to academia when I have a good opportunity after having some experience in the business industry.” I guess after that, the Harvard law school conversation was pretty much ended.

However, I get impressed on some other things – usually artistic and athletic skills and abilities. I would stare at a great climber who climbs a 5.10 wall with admiration. Or I would be amazed to see someone’s artistic skills – from drawings and photography to singing and playing musical instruments. I didn’t really think about what impressed me and, after the last night’s gathering, I realized I’m pretty weird on that perspective as well.