To my mother, Maere Floyd, who seemed like the meanest mother in the world. I’d ask her a question like, “Who was the president when I was born?” Her response would be, “Did you try to look it up?” Eventually, I learned that the only right response was “Yes.” I had to have at least tried.
We had a World Book Encyclopedia set in the living room, and those books were meant for use, not decoration.
All these many years later, one lesson has stuck with me and has served me as an analyst, consultant, and Excel power user: If there’s a fact in the world, make an effort to look for it. Don’t make stuff up. Dig, probe, and pick until you get your answer.
As a high school teacher’s aide preparing for retirement, my mother has remained committed to young folks and how they learn. Thanks, Mom!
—Oz du Soleil
To Dan Bricklin, Bob Frankston, and Dan Fylstra.
—Bill Jelen