In Reverse
Saws Must Be Sharpened You Can Get Better by Learning From Other Masters of a Craft By Thomas A. Barstow
AS A WRITER, I have been trained to avoid cliches, the threadbare phrases that lose meaning over time: “The best thing since sliced bread.” “All that glitters isn’t gold.” “Cat got your tongue?” It usually is better to find a fresher way to say something. For me, though, one saying has kept a strong mean- ing: “Sharpen your saw.”
As an amateur carpenter, I have had the pleasure of working with individuals who have spent their careers in a profession where the phrase takes on a daily meaning. If you ever tried to cut through wood, metal or anything with a dull blade, you know exactly what that expression means. The job is much easier if your tools are sharp, and that takes maintenance, upkeep and attention.
2 REVERSE MORTGAGE / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024
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