英語関連の分野で恩師と呼ばせて頂ける方々は少なくありません。故Richard Via先生もその１人で、６０年代に、ブロードウエイの演劇人としての体験を生かし、日本のアメリカ文化センターを中心に学生英語演劇の指導をスタートされましたが、幸運にも参加できた学際英語劇連盟Model Productionでお世話になりました。ジョークを語ることもお好きで、卒業後もお目にかかる度に、I’ve got one for you.と仰って披露してくださり、また新世紀に入ってからは、インターネット上のユーモアやウィットに富んだ記事を元学生たちに送ってくださいました。その１つに、『ピーナッツ』の作者チャールズ・シュルツの作ったクイズがありました。導入部にあるように、各問題に無理に答えず読み続けていくと、最後に言わんとしていることがわかる（You’ll get the point.）という仕組みになっています。セレブリティーと市井の人に関する質問が６問ずつ用意されていて、最後にThe Lesson（教訓）が添えられています。お時間あれば。
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip.
You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you’ll get the point.
- Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
- Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
- Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
- Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
- Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
- Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.
They are the ones that care.
Charles Schultz
