Nelson's Requisites
Back in the heyday of the traveling circus, wild animal trainer's like Clyde Beatty and Bert Nelson were well known for mixing lions and tigers, natural enemy's, side-by-side in their circus act. Some would bring as many as sixteen or seventeen big cats into the ring at the same time to 'perform' tricks for the audience. After one of his performances, Nelson was asked about the key to his success; he replied, "the two prime requisites of an animal trainer are patience, and the ability to run like hell."
Unfortunately, our capacity for Nelson's requisites diminish as we age. We tend to get more impatient as the years go by — and running, well that is out of the question.
Incidentally, I'm thinking that 'discernment' could be a vital third requisite to Nelson's other two.
/fl