Yeah, well, you know, that's just your opinion man. • Amy Ragsdale Design handcrafted jewelry

What do you think Leonardo da Vinci meant when he said,
“Anyone who conducts an argument by appealing to authority
is not using his intelligence; he is just using his memory.”?

I have some thoughts on this, but first, please read the following disclaimer:

The opinions that I share here, within the writings of Yippee-i-o-ki-ay and on my website, as well as expressed verbally during conversations and stream of consciousness tête-à-têtes are my own. Regardless of the tone or delivery of said expressions, the only diplomas I hold are one from Neshaminy High School, on which they spelled Neshaminy incorrectly, and one from The University of Ragsdale, seen below. Therefore, do not believe a word I say.

If the meaning of authority is ‘the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience’, I have no desire to be an authority on any subject. I am an observer, recognizer and expresser. And, recently, it has come to my attention that I have led my life in a somewhat vexed state.

My profession is that of a jewelry designer, however, I failed my one and only jewelry making and silversmith course. While spinning around the dance floor I often receive accolades, but the only lessons I took were ballet from Fred Knecht when I was eight. I would not say I was the consummate parental unit but with no formal training I raised four children. Other than a license to drive a car and motorcycle in the State of Pennsylvania, I am without the qualifications, nor am I eligible, for any formal title other than, Ms.

Authority was never my thing. As most well domesticated children, I acquiesced and deferred, but under that winsome smile was a trickster waiting for the chance to reveal what was underneath and expose what was hidden. This could not be avoided, it was a spontaneous behavior that came natural to me.

As a child I learned that just because someone is your parent, they don’t necessarily love you. This parlayed into my education; just because someone is a teacher, the lessons are not always accurate; just because someone is a priest, they are not necessarily honest; just because someone is a doctor doesn’t mean they will not do more harm than good. Wearing a police badge does not indicate that you will serve and protect. But our culture, the domestication process, reinforces a typhlotic compliance.

Hence the vex. A lifetime of observing people taking orders, making decisions and obeying, simply because they trust those in a perceived position of authority, has me agitated. A sense of incredulity, as they agree, even when every fiber in their body is saying;

“No, just because you are afraid of black people, I will not.”
“No, your God doesn’t allow you to violate my body.”
“No, I don’t have to get out of my vehicle.”
“No, I don’t have two weeks to live.”

I appeal to you, conduct your life in a way that is genuine to you. Find like hearted human beings to heal with. Challenge the current circumstance. The journey to a healthy society will not be guided by appealing to authority, but within your aspirations to live a sincere life.

Then visit Bernie’s website and see how we can change the foundation of the domestication process.

Thank you for walking with me.
And, if you choose to walk away, May the Great Spirit Watch Over You.

Sincerely,
Amy