Did curiosity kill the cat?
The common phrase “Curiosity killed the cat” has been around in one form or another for centuries. The written sentiment has been traced to Saint Augustine’s Confessions (AD 397). Its earliest printed reference as a phrase is attributed to British playwright Ben Johnson, a contemporary of William Shakespeare, in Every Man in His Humour, in 1598. Shakespeare referenced a similar phrase in Much Ado About Nothing in 1599. Instead of curiosity, both used the term “care” indicating concern or anxiety. The familiar saying, substituting the word “curiosity” gained popularity in the 1900s.
While on its surface the expression warns of danger when overly concerned with another person or topic, it does not preclude interest and subsequent protection from matters that could have a direct, harmful effect on those asking questions. Consequences of curiosity – investigation and questioning – separate hazardous ignorance from useful and appropriate information. A remedy for speculative and exaggerated assumptions that can “kill the cat” of reasonable and tempered judgements can be found by using curiosity to explore distinct and separate sources of information before arriving at conclusions.
For example, governmental structure and processes are often poorly understood by residents living under the umbrella of rules and regulations. A web of tasks, responsibilities and authority form a complex system that is often confusing and difficult to understand. In these turbulent times of social unrest, economic and health challenges, the role of such entities and how they respond is critical to attempts to modify and/or reform inequities and societal ills. What connects and separates levels of government? What role and jurisdiction does an elected official have in this structure? What separates local government from regional, state and national responsibilities?
While many residents may have some interaction with local councilmembers and can judge their decisions and conduct, it is much more difficult to evaluate the performance of others in a more comprehensive and larger context. Gatherings and town hall meetings are not always convenient or practical for most residents and therefore, even if well attended, cannot bring the same level of communication as consolidated representation at the local level. Even county representation is difficult to assess. While media interviews and large group meetings offer some aspect of communication, they are limited by the interviewer’s or presenter’s focus. However, it is incumbent on the electorate to gather as much information as possible in whatever format to evaluate and respond to official decisions.
An opportunity to understand an important but little understood governmental body will be available on May 10 when Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert will hold a Zoom meeting with constituents. Hosted by League of Women Voters, residents will have an opportunity to meet Supervisor Haubert, ask questions and unwrap the mysteries of county government. What do supervisors do? Where do their responsibilities begin and end? How do county governments interact with local governments?
It’s always appropriate to be informed about your government, its operations and key personnel… how it operates. This is an opportunity to discover what goes on at the county level.
In this case, curiosity will not kill the cat.
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Meet Supervisor David Haubert
Monday, May 10
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwod-CvrzsrHtCIIG3ypufnvuMfvkosWuZq
lwvfnuc@lwvfnuc.org
[FYI: The League is also hosting “Conversation with Fremont Police Chief Kimberly Petersen” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 29th]
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