“Life among academics has taught me that a well expressed opinion is usually better than a badly expressed fact, so far as professional advancement goes.” – Claire Beauchamp, Outlander Sometimes fictional characters say it best. The emperor has no clothes; Sam Bankman-Fried.

“I have a bridge I’d like to sell you.” What’s the story behind this phrase? Enter George C. Parker, born in 1870. Not a hero’s tale, the legacy he left behind was one of heartless deception. He took advantage of naive immigrants and tourists by selling them buildings and monuments, the Statue of Liberty, Madison…

It didn’t go how she expected at all. But then again, one doesn’t typically expect to make a major mistake in the first 30 seconds. After the entire piece of humble pie was consumed she tried again. And regardless of the outcome, she was proud of that.

Doing hard things doesn’t just benefit you. Its a signal to others. A challenge to rise.

Unassuming waiting to be celebrated. A few years may pass, seasons too, but the time will come anew. When found hold close. Good friends we love the most.