11.26.07
Textiles: More Than One Can Know In a Lifetime
Today, I just finished researching a new topic for publication, at the request of an editor. As always, I learned a lot! The experience has encouraged me to think about the field of textiles, its lengthy history, and how much there is to know about them. In my lifetime, I will never run out of related subjects to explore, and that is a “good thing.”
I was also thinking about Wikipedia and eBay and how helpful they are. They bring the world to our doorsteps, literally. While Wikipedia is prepared by humans and is not infallible, it is a point of departure. I pity the poor student who takes everything there as the Gospel Truth, as I have discovered glitches many times. However, I do believe that it is an attempt to share (what people think they know). Just be careful of remarks that are left hanging without substantiation such as a citation to a scholarly journal or to a well-researched reference book.
I am utterly in awe of eBay and other online auction houses. They bring history alive with examples and prices and photos. In addition, I can trade with people overseas. It’s rather neat to have packages arriving from Uzbekistan or England or Germany!
The more I know, the more I realize that there is more to know. Furthermore, there always will be. This is a great life for those who have a life of the mind and an inquiring spirit. I am a happy learner, and you get to benefit from articles that reflect what I have so joyously found out, and which I so happily share.
Have a good week!
Patricia Cummings
