The Law of "Unintended Consequences"
You never know when you do something. What the results of that action will be. But whenever you do something, there are always after effects. Like ripples from dropping a stone in a quiet pond. Even in physics there is a law that states, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Many folks look at the Law of Unintended Consequences as a harbinger of doom. Me not so much. This thread is an absolute perfect example of this law. And it illustrates in such a positive way how this can work.
I tried to help out Mr. T. He was desperately seeking a 124 to try, and had this 120 up for trade. It was right before Christmas. I was in a good mood and felt like lending a hand. So, I offered to send him my 124 to have a look at. I told him since it was Christmas. I would just send him the knife. If he liked it, we would trade. If he didn't, I wolud cover the shipping back to me. I also gave him the option to value the knives. Stating that if he though mine was worth more, to send me something to equalize the value.
Well apparently, he liked it. He sent me this fine older General. Plus, he added a nice check in the box to cover what he believed was the difference in value. In truth, I was expecting something like a fire steel, or similar small equalizer. He added more that I would have expected. I learned he is a man of his word, and forthright in his dealings.
If this story stopped right there. It would illustrate my point well. But it continues.
When I received my General, I was more than pleased. I like this forum and although I am new and don't live on here. I thought it would be nice to post up some info about my newly acquired knife for all the Buck Nuts that reside here.
My intention was to post about a knife. In fact a knife that is nothing special. Not new, but not overly old. It isn't rare, or expensive. Just you basic Buck knife. That was all I did.
Here is where that law kicks in. TAH chimes in and tries to help me get an age on it. David Martin adds to the dating process. How cool is that?
Then I get a myriad of photos of every make and manner of the 120 General from folks. What a collection of beautiful knives.
But wait, we're not done yet. Suddenly, I am getting weather reports from Texas and Nebraska. I must admit, I quite enjoyed the photos.
I live in a snow belt/lake effect area. So sometimes, I forget the magic that snow can bring with it. When the magic is covering your house, sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees. I love the measuring of snow with a Buck. And had a nice chuckle at "Up to my Choil in Snow"
Bad Hammer chimed in with a few of his collection. And now is offering to do a weight and handling comparison for me between the Brass/Cocobola and the standard version. Again, very cool!
So many reactions from one small action. And yet, we are still not done.
At 56 years of age, I have done a lot, seen a lot, and have learned a lot. But being this age, has taught me there is a lot more I don't know, than I do know.
Then along comes DocT. He talks about a book, some Knife Bible with the 120 heavily featured in it. Having never heard of it, and being a knife guy. My interest was aroused. But in truth, I was busy and did not act as far as researching it further. But I needn't worry. Doc took it upon himself to get David a link to the book. And he generously posted into my "General in the House" thread.
What a smokin' cool book. I had never heard of it or the writer, until Doc posted about it. I am currently only up to page ten. But it has already been worth the read. It is brutally obvious that the author has a vast amount of knowledge. I am anxiously looking forward to diving in further.
This may or may not mean anything to anyone here. But it resonates with me. I have been aware of the law for a long time. I tend to look at the glass as half full. So I wonder if your outlook on life can steer those consequences in certain directions.
Many folks today seem to dwell on all the negativity out there. And there is certainly enough of that. I am aware of it. Keenly aware of it. I take much of what is happening in today's world very seriously.
But for every Yin, there is a Yang. I just found so much joy in this thread, and the way it is playing out. I felt the need to point it out. Because with good deeds, just like the snow. Sometimes if you don't pay attention to them, or get more than your share. The magic of it all, can be lost.
Thanks everyone for making my new General very special!!
