Philosophy: Scott

Self-tutoring about people: the tutor recalls an intriguing person he knew in elementary school.

I recall three Scotts from school. One was okay, but not someone I talked to. The other two I had problems with.

The most problematic one was likely the second. However, I’ve thought much about him in the decades since, and decided that really, it was my fault we didn’t get along. He was cool, and anarchistic. I was just too young to appreciate his qualities. Here are a few of stories about him:

Scott was probably the best athlete in our little town, but perhaps wasn’t from a privileged family – he seemed not to have the resources to play ice hockey. In road hockey, however, he was king. I recall one night he played solo against 5 of us. I wasn’t an ice hockey player, but at least two of us were. He kept the score tied.

In baseball, too, Scott was king. I recall, one day, another kid saying, “Why does Scott always have to catch and hit like the professionals?”

Scott didn’t mind being a pariah. Often, during a game, he’d pretend he was playing for the Communists (which was the enemy, at the time: it was Cold War days).

One evening I was up at the school, just hanging around, waiting for some action to happen. It was a beautiful evening in late spring, not yet dark. Scott suddenly appeared – which at first wasn’t necessarily good news, because he often threatened to beat me up (though never did). That evening, however, he wasn’t in a fighting mood. “I’ll see you soon,” he smiled–“just wait here.”

I had no idea what to expect, so I waited, intrigued. After all, I was there just “to see what might happen.” Suddenly I heard his voice: “Hey, Jack,” he yelled.

I looked around, but couldn’t see Scott – anywhere.

“Up here!” I heard him.

I looked up to see him on the roof of the school, which I believe was 40 or 50 ft above. He was casually leaning over the edge, talking to me. I’d never heard of someone climbing that school, and was doubly surprised by Scott’s casual demeanor up there.

That’s how Scott was, though – fearless and anarchistic. I should have admired those qualities, but was too immature at the time.

BTW: as admirable as Scott was, I don’t recommend being like him. It’s too risky.