A Gentle Philosopher

The author met 'his philosopher' fifty-four yars ago--a man who teaches by the Socratic method, who stays in touch with his students for their whole career, and who values non-conformity in the best sense of the word. Most faculty deeply learn their field, plumb its depths zealously, and relish the fruits of their labor. Some continue the quest--for knowledge, for the frontier, for the important 'next questions'--which means giving up the accolades and perquisites of the learned for the unknown field yet unplowed. Fewer still imbue their students with these same qualities, which was the gift of Carver Mead for the author. This monograph pinpoints the lessons that Mead provided--and the sometimes unexpected results--with the thought that such ideas may inspire others to assert their maverick, independent ways...cheerfully abandoning the cloak of success for the next great quest to help advance knowledge, products, and services for a world sorely in need of contribution on many fronts.