Yogi Had It Right

Anyone who has written a regular column knows at times it is difficult coming up with ideas, so this week I got a little help. I decided to examine some of the quotes of the great Yogi Berra and look at how they apply to our normal life.

The second anniversary of Yogi’s death at the age of 90 two years ago is an appropriate time to honor his words. There are too many “Yogisms” to fully examine them all, but some really give good lessons about life.

Anyone who knows me knows my favorite Yogism is “If you don’t go to other people’s funerals, they won’t come to yours.”

Though those words are funny, there is a lesson in this classic. We should have respect for people in general and particularly those who have passed on. Perhaps the Yankee great was telling us the only way to gain respect is to give it.

Another saying I found last week really struck an issue that is close to my heart. It is one we don’t seem to teach our next generation.

“I tell the kids someone has to win and someone has to lose, just don’t fight about it,” Yogi said.

The generation that has been growing up being taught everything is fair and everyone gets a “participation” trophy is learning a dangerous way to think.

An even better comment on that issue came from Bill Gates during a graduation speech. “Life isn’t fair, get used to it,” he said. That says it in a nutshell.

Yogi once said, “When you get to a fork in the road, take it.” In other words you have to consider all aspects of a problem and make a decision. The best way to get nowhere is to do nothing.

On a similar line, he once said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you might end up some place else.” In other words, plan on how you want to proceed in all aspects of life.

I have to wonder if another quote from Yogi applies to our current president. He once said, “Even Napoleon had his Watergate.”

President Trump may not realize it, but he can crumble like anyone else. Any man who thinks he is invincible may find out he is not.

I like another Yogism. He was so right when he said, “If the world was perfect, it wouldn’t be.”

What a boring world we would have if none of us made mistakes. We all try to avoid them, but human nature always prevails.

A few other sayings that just bring a smile. “You better cut that pizza into four pieces because I can’t eat six.”

Another, “No one goes there anymore, it’s too crowded.” I could tell a story of at least one Harnett County business where this directly applies.

“Never answer an anonymous letter.” That is kind of why most letters without names don’t appear in newspapers. If people want to exercise their First Amendment rights they should have the nerve to take responsibility for their words.

I couldn’t write a column about the great philosopher without quoting his most famous words: “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” Well, this column is over for this week.

Tom Woerner is a reporter with The Daily Record. Reach him at (910) 230-2038 or twoerner@mydailyrecord.com.