Philosophy:

The Cobbler's Children

This old saying can be an excuse, or it can be a source of motivation.  It all depends on how you view it.

01-Jan-2021

I'm sure you've heard this old saying: "The cobbler's children go barefoot."

Some common variations include: "The shoemaker's kids go barefoot" or "the cobbler's children have the worst shoes." Some variations put the lack of quality footwear on the shoemaker himself. Other variations involve other professions: "A plumber's house always has a dripping tap." Or, "a blacksmith's house is full of wooden spoons."

It's a saying that's been around for centuries – perhaps longer. John Heywood, a 16th century poet and playwright, wrote in 1546 in his Dialogue of Proverbs:

But who is wurs shod, than the shoemakers wyfe, With shops full of newe shapen shoes all hir lyfe?

The saying can even be found in other languages:

 

Now, here's something of interest. While the saying's literal meaning is obvious, what it's implying is a little more indirect. I think it can be interpreted in different ways.

It could imply there is an act of neglect occurring, in that the shoemaker is so busy with his work that he fails to see the needs of his children.

On the other hand, it could imply that the shoemaker is working as hard as he can to provide an income for his family, but there are limitations to his resources that prevent him from providing his children the very same things he provides his customers.

Personal Application

Few of us these days are in the business of custom-crafting shoes. So how do the rest of us apply this saying to our lives?

Is this an admonition to pay attention to the needs of those around you – family members, or coworkers, or friends – who ought to benefit from your expertise, time, and attention? But they don't, because you're always too busy?

Or is this an admonition to go the extra mile to provide for others around you, even after you've convinced yourself that you have nothing left to provide?

I must confess that I fall into that latter group. Too often I've used this little proverb as a formulaic reason for failing to volunteer for one duty or another, or for allowing procrastination to keep me from completing chores or personal projects. Personal projects like this web site.

Well, no more. I'm writing this at the very beginning of the year, and that's as good a time as any to make a New Year's Resolution to get moving, and push a little farther.

 

How about you? At the end of the work day, are you completely spent – or is there anything left? Even a tiny bit?

It doesn't have to be more of the same kind of work. Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. Maybe it's time to start reading a book – just a little bit, every night, in lieu of one last television program.  Or maybe learn something new – there are lots of instructional videos that would be worthwhile.

Or maybe you can engage with others and share something you know with them? Think of people that could benefit from knowing something you do.

All it takes is just a little extra time.  Can you spare any?