RE: Smallest book in the world?

[Dirk_Van_Putten@3com.com]

> "The point of the story as told is that the purchasing manager did not want to
> make the effort or
> take the responsibility." 

How do we know if there is no such thing as a fact
concerning an empirical observation? IMHO, this is an example or anecdote from
which many points may be identified.

> "And on that matter we can only trust Deming's judgment that the guy had
> flunked." 

Based on my observation, this type of treatment towards a student that
"flunked" seems to go against most of the postings regarding the application of
the SoPK in education. Walking away from a struggling student might create fear,
thoughts of failure, create a barrier, reduce the level of pride, and create
concentration on a grade/teacher's judgment as opposed to learning.

> "I hear Paul Hollingworth regretting an absence of courage and integrity in
> consultants flunking the
> challenge to tell it how it is when the moment arrives." 

How can a consultant
tell it like it is if there is no such thing as a fact concerning an empirical
observation?

Another question: Is "Empirical Observation" a redundant statement? Is there any
other type of observation other than empirical?

Final note: If I live to be 81 and I still have the mental and physical ability
to teach others, I may very well react in the same way as Deming did in the
example with the purchasing manager.

Regards, Dirk van Putten