Zhuge Liang, the famed general and strategist chronicled in the Three Kingdoms, was somehow cornered and trapped within a fort without adequate manpower or supplies.  When the commander of the opposing force approached the gate to demand surrender, Zhuge Liang sits on top of the fort’s tower and challenges him to lay siege, stating that a large force was behind the gates.  Bewildered, the opposing commander questions his once trusted intelligence that the fort was in a precarious and weak position.  But knowing Zhuge Liang to be a highly capable and competent leader, he vacillates.  Not willing to take any chances, the commander retreats and Zhuge Liang escapes.

I taught this story to illustrate the power of reputation.  And its pitfalls.  This theme crops up in literature, history, songs, sports.  Othello.  Michael Jordan.  Charles Barkley.  

Mine was mixed.  It really depended on who understood me and when they met me.  Who I showed the most to.  In general, I mostly showed the armor or my silly side, especially in Boston where I would sing songs about my cat to the tune of The Standells’ Love That Dirty Water.  

The truth is deeper and more complex.  Recently, I told a few trusted family members what I saw and experienced.  They were surprised to see these hidden sides.  I just never really told anyone all that much.  Those proxies of education, career, etc. were really inadequate to reflect my life, my heart, my soul.

At the end of the day, it does come down to what Thomas More counts as a good audience – students, friends, God.  The rest can go to hell.  And like a certain Mr. Neeson, I did pick up a particular set of skills