Fools are in this world to make us grow

For those who are tired to death of the endless drama of Pacific city politics, here are some words of wisdom from Christina Martinez, age 75:

You shouldn't go around complaining this one's a fool and that one's a fool. They're everywhere, and you should be glad. You'd be nowhere without the fools. They show you how you don't want to be.

While they're busy acting like dolts, watch what they're doing. Even if they drive you crazy, study them carefully, then take a good look at yourself. See if you're doing any of those same things. That's what makes you do better.

Be grateful they're making the mistakes, not you. That's what fools are here for. They save you a lot of time and energy.

—From the book, What's Worth Knowing.

The author says: Christina Martinez sat for hours each afternoon in the lobby of the busy downtown building where she lived, taking up her post in the far corner shortly after lunch. Dramas erupted every day among the other residents, a mix of mentally ill people trying out life on their own, drug addicts beginning their recovery, and physically disabled people like herself. Whenever I had the time to sit next to her, I found her vantage point as edifying as she claimed—a parade of people flaunting their foibles for all to see, sometimes heroically but often foolishly.