Never Assume

A guy where I worked many eons ago (last century actually, but we won’t go there) used to say “never assume.”
I personally like that, as making assumptions can get a person into big trouble.  I think it is particularly true in other places.  Sure we are reasonably familiar with the set ups here, and have accommodated them, but the minute we step outside our “comfort zone” there are a multitude of ways we could be undone, if we “assume.”
I found it ironic that a friend of mine was visiting another country and was told by someone living here that he needed to trust people more.  The next lot of people he trusted took him into an ally and robbed him.  I like to sit on my chair with my feet on the table.  Merril told me that in a culture she had visited showing the souls of the feet was a real sign of disrespect.  I assured her that here it was a sign of utmost respect.  Unfortunately we both knew I did not know what I was talking about.
I have found that if I really need to know something it is best to find out for myself.  People can be incredibly well meaning, and totally believe what they are saying, and be wrong.  I have done that myself.  In many cases it does not matter, but in some it really does.  I guess that is why “ignorance of the law is no excuse.”  If you are wrong, it is you that pays the price, and not the one who gave you dodgy advice.
Of course one cannot know everything.  In our culture most of us know enough of what is needed to get by. It is specific scenarios that have specific rules that need to be known to comply.  If we don’t comply we are disqualified. In this day and age when so many are going for the same thing, that can really hurt.
I remember hearing that in our culture Health and Safety was so important as there are so few of us.  In cultures where there are a multitude lined up for the same position it seems to matter less.
I know I can be got anyway, but in the garden I tend to have a good look around before I assume and barge into anything.  I think my caution must also be an age thing.  Nadia says she would not dream of trying now what was a challenge to her as a kid.  I remember gardening in a previous place and taking something to the bin.  When I looked back a mean looking snake (I think it was a Brown) was emerging from where I had just worked. For a long time he looked at me and I looked at him.  He then left the vicinity, which I had no objection to at all.  They reckon “once bitten, twice shy.”  In this case it was “nunce bitten, twice shy.”
In gardening and life in general, I now appreciate the sense of “never assume.”