Those who do, teach

Peter Beck offers some sound advice about doing and teaching:

I heard it in the Army. I heard it in advertising. I heard it in seminary. That old adage just won’t go away. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.

The idea behind this cliche is that those who are truly gifted and competent in their respective field will find gainful and meaningful employment in that field. Those who are incompetent and can’t find meaningful employment retire prematurely to the classroom to teach the next generation of erstwhile students.

While this proverbial statement has the staying power of a 40 year pitcher on steroids, problems abound.

First, if someone isn’t competent and can’t or hasn’t worked in his respective field, who on earth would choose to take classes from him?

Good question. And thanks to BibleX for the link.