Expert interpreters must cultivate humility toward non-expert visitors

Evidence

All interpreters, standing ready to serve the mood of the whole man, should cultivate humility. Not mock humility; that would be dreadful. But the true humility of one that is justly proud of his attainments, glad that it has been his fortunate lot to have a good measure of special knowledge, but infinitely patient with those who have not steered by such a constant star. It is good to remember that were you in the visitor’s own bailiwick, you might be a stumbler. — Freeman Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage, 329

Categorization

• APHORISMS: Plain advice: were you in the visitor’s own line of work, you might be the stumbler—so be patient and humble, never mock. Good counsel for any teacher or sharer of expertise.
• XREF: connects to: A civil war story’s deepest meaning is human fratricide, not tactics — Freeman Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage, 314; “Silly” visitor questions often mask polite appreciation, not ignorance — Freeman Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage, 330; Unexpected people can reveal deep artistic perception given the right trigger — Freeman Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage, 243 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Interpreters should begin from the visitor’s question, not their own message #corroborates (0.80) — Freeman Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage, 381
• A visitor’s understanding is ample once interpretation meets the visitor at their own expertise. #corroborates (0.80) — Freeman Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage, 541
• Interpreters should deliberately seek every chance to add participation and demonstration #qualifies (0.75) — Freeman Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage, 472
• Understanding others requires no shared experience #contradicts (0.72) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 892