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I Wonder. . .

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Industry Observer Inactive

 

I Wonder

About Worst. . .

 

 

Today finds me wondering about the word and concept worst and in the many ways it is used to express many sorts of things.   Words of wisdom can inspire additional thoughts. Maybe you will recall this quote and it will resonate with you. as you consider the interpretations of "worst".

 

 

Democracy

is the worst form of government

except for all others which have been tried

 

 

 

Who said it?  First or subsequently and on what occasion. Maybe this bit of wondering began with one of the books on my ever-growing reading list. You may recognize Confronting the Presidents as the source of the blog series recently started by Carol Williams. I look forward to digging into the book for additional insights as the ongoing excavation of my mindscape continues.

 

 

Yes, I still wonder as I travel down more than one rabbit hole. My wonderment can take me to many places - hyperbolic, hysterical and countless forms of the holy $^!+iness of it all.  And isn’t that what wonder can hopefully bring (at least in part) as discoveries are explored. Okay, not exactly but after all questions may not be answered but awareness can awaken us.

 

 

Off to more wandering too while I wonder about the word, the concept and its many interpretations. Yes, I digress.

 

 

The images in this post are from canstockphoto.com

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Comments(21)

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Patricia Feager
Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Michael Jacobs 

Good morning! Your image jumped out at me. While coming home from a class yesterday, I noticed a billboard that read "Disaster Preparedness." Since I was driving, those were the only words I read and had me thinking about, what's that all about - is this one more thing I have to worry about? 

My mind went to the worst-case scenario. Back to the Cold War and having to get under the desks and cover my head. In Chicago, we also had to be prepared for the worst whenever we heard the sonic boom. 

On a side-note - thank you for using "Wednesday is for Word Mongering." You see, I was excited about creating this group but then received backlash from someone that made me quit promoting it. Thank you for resurrecting this group.

Yes. Carol Williams started an interesting series on our Presidents. A book club that I am a member of has been studying them for a few years now. There is a lot to learn from our past presidents and their First Wives. In 2025, we have paid more attention to the First Wives than in the previous few years. 

Awareness of what was then and what is now is a great way to learn something new for Wednesday is for Wonder Mongering!

Sep 10, 2025 04:57 AM
Michael Jacobs

Patricia Feager - I also remember duck-and-cover drills as well as bomb shelters during elementary school days.  So much more for the carefree times of the 1960s.  "History" of many sorts is interesting - in the moment as well as we review it in the rear-view mirror on our journey of living.  

Your comment also makes me wonder about groups - the wonder as well as the why of them and this community.   

Sep 10, 2025 06:58 AM
Kathy Streib

Patricia Feager and Michael- yes, I'm old enough to remember ducking under our desks with our hands covering our necks (as if that would help) My cousin and I attended the same junior high and my aunt mapped out a walking path for us to take if the worst (there's your word, Michael) should happen. That way she'd know where to pick us up. 

Sep 10, 2025 10:40 AM
Patricia Feager

Kathy Streib - Awe. Your aunt was thoughtful. I never would have thought of mapping out a walking path when my kids were in school. They took the bus. But now, I wish I had done what your aunt did. 

I walked 9 blocks to and from my grade school. The first day of school, my mother walked me. The rest of the days, I had older sisters to walk home with. But if I had to do it by myself, at such a young and tender age, I don't know if I would have found my way home, or if I still had a home???

Sep 11, 2025 07:58 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

My husband is reading that book, and I'll read it after he does!

Sep 10, 2025 05:19 AM
Michael Jacobs

Kat Palmiotti - the book is not the next one up but it's approaching on my seemingly ever-growing list on my reading list.  

Sep 10, 2025 07:00 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Michael... this sentence really got my attention: "questions may not be answered but awareness can awaken us."

Sep 10, 2025 05:29 AM
Michael Jacobs

Nina Hollander, Broker - I'm glad you found "something" in the sentence.  

Sep 10, 2025 07:02 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

It's really sad that there is so much truth to that quote, but I think the politicians really enjoy the scam they are running, haha.

Sep 10, 2025 05:43 AM
Michael Jacobs

Brian England - interesting take on the quote.  

Sep 10, 2025 07:03 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Michael. The word "worst" is a worthy ponder as my perception of a worthy definition changes as often s the wind. That said, you easily draw me into the world of pondering, sometimes good and sometimes not. Have not had my best pondering yet or my worst. Enjoy your day. 

Sep 10, 2025 05:58 AM
Michael Jacobs

Wayne Martin - pondering in progress.  Lucy in the Charles M Schulz "Peanuts" comic strip might find a new message for her psychiatric booth advice.  

Sep 10, 2025 07:07 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Michael, on any given day I think I may travel down one hundred rabbit holes or more. If it was not for daydreaming, I think I might not dream at all.

Sep 10, 2025 07:30 AM
Michael Jacobs

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty - that's a lot of rabbit holes.  It takes me to a vision of Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny.  It's a vewy vewy interesting observation.  

Sep 10, 2025 08:45 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Michael and I look for rabbit holes for me to go into, worst is a interesting word and not sure about what the future looks like.  Wish I would read more books but my parents never had time for me reading but working more in the restaurant.

Sep 10, 2025 10:10 AM
Michael Jacobs

Will Hamm - the future is a big subject - I have been known to visit both the past as well as times yet to arrive, it seems "now" is the best as well as worst at least in a Charles Dickens sort of way.

Sep 10, 2025 11:18 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Michael= I have missed your pondering wandering ways and am happy to see their presence. 

Sep 10, 2025 10:41 AM
Michael Jacobs

Kathy Streib - pondering continues, posts on the subject are not as regular.  

Sep 10, 2025 11:19 AM
Lawrence & Sheila Agranoff
Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson - Plainview, NY
Listing & Selling Long Island Real Estate

Michael, It’s interesting how one word can hold so many meanings depending on our perspective!

Sep 10, 2025 11:53 AM
Michael Jacobs

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 - yes, perspective.

Sep 10, 2025 01:12 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

HI Michael well with what I've been dealing with for so long I have a tendency to concentrate on all the good and avoid the 'worst' of anything.    I do get where you're going with the wondering.......the timing is off so in a way that could be a worst?!  Now back to more good news!

Sep 10, 2025 12:09 PM
Michael Jacobs

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - I can certainly see your point of view and as I replied to Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 "perspective" continues to play a role.  

Sep 10, 2025 01:14 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking post, Michael Jacobs. I really appreciate how you invite us to reflect on the deeper meaning of words like “worst” and the value of wonder itself. Your musings remind us that sometimes questioning and wandering lead to the greatest discoveries. Thanks for inspiring that exploration.

Sep 10, 2025 01:06 PM
Michael Jacobs

Lew Corcoran - wondering as well as wandering can lead to abundant adventures.  

Sep 10, 2025 01:15 PM
Jeff&Grace Safrin
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - Valparaiso, IN
SpousesSellingHousesTM

IMHO, being of immigrant parents who fled here from LVIV and Poland, even the imperfect "worst" democracy is better than other forms of government. 

I'm guessing that's what Churchill may have implied about the King when he said this?

Thanks for the thoughtful post Michael - brought back a memory =

The title of a song they sang during the resistance, which ironically applies again with what's happened in that part of the world last night.  May there be peace.... 

Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła.

 

 

Sep 10, 2025 01:26 PM
Michael Jacobs

Jeff&Grace Safrin - my memory of those famous words change a bit with my increasing time on this planet.  Thank you for sharing your history - parts of our pasts continue to combine with "now" as well as what's next.   Thank you for adding to the conversation.  

Sep 11, 2025 08:18 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Friday morning, Michael. Enjoy a good book and have a great day.

Sep 12, 2025 04:31 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Roy Kelley - I'm in very beginning pages of a book.  It's a non-fiction book and while the topic is important, I am thinking I may need to put it aside for a while I open the pages of a previously unknown to me author.  Happy Friday.  

Sep 12, 2025 07:44 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Michael Jacobs I have been busy reading about World War 11 and the atrocities that occurred because people opened their hearts to hate. It seems that many people are looking for the worst in people. No one is perfect. Let those who are free of sin cast the first stone.  Today I started reading The Testament, Part 2 of The Handmaid's Tale  by Margaret Atwell  - Happy Friday, Michael 😍

Sep 12, 2025 09:42 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hannah Williams - may your weekend be filled with many memorable moments. Here's to the adventures of reading and enjoyment of many sorts.  

Sep 13, 2025 04:08 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block Team @ LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - San Diego, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services

Worst things first? I suppose "worst" is in the mind of each person's opinion. Worst to you is best to me. I know many that think the worst herb is cilantro, where I find it to be one of my favorite herbs.

Sep 13, 2025 07:15 AM
Michael Jacobs

Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP - our personal preferences and biases certainly help flavor as well as favor our opinions of many sorts of things and ways.  And speaking of herbs, I am thinking of Herb Tarlock the character on that classic television sitcom, WKRP in Cincinatti.  

Sep 13, 2025 09:58 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Monday morning, Michael.

Have a great day and an outstanding week.

Sep 15, 2025 04:34 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - you too.  

Sep 15, 2025 04:59 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Michael, I am still wondering about wandering, which has been quite fun this week!

Sep 15, 2025 07:44 AM
Michael Jacobs

Joan Cox - your current European adventure is being enjoyed vicariously by many of us.  Continue to explore and discover many sorts of things.  

Sep 15, 2025 08:18 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner

Michael Jacobs guess I should write about today's adventures, it was fun.

Sep 15, 2025 08:20 AM
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

 

Michael Jacobs  your post brings to mind the lyrics of one of the songs I just heard at the STYX concert in Atlanta " The Best of Times"
Sep 17, 2025 05:03 AM
Michael Jacobs

Buzz Mackintosh - while I am not musically aware or inclined, I "knew" of STYX in the moment when they were quite popular and I have seen reports of their tours even today.  It continues to be interesting to me to experience how many things of the past remain relevant today.  

Sep 17, 2025 10:29 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Worst. Cilantro. Peanuts Comic Strip. Duck and Cover. WKRP.

Bet you couldn't find anywhere else where those five things are mentioned together.

LOL

Sep 17, 2025 12:11 PM
Michael Jacobs

Sharon Tara - thank you for sharing your definition of "worst".  It's definitely interesting and you're right, can't say I have ever seen them grouped together as a category of any kind.  

Sep 17, 2025 12:24 PM