My Grandfather’s Axe

[Updated Sept 16, 2009]

Perhaps when you were in school you had a philosophical studies class.  If so, you may recall this "ontological" story.  It is tale of how we think about named objects and our human nature to value items that come from our past.

When my grandfather was a young man he bought an axe.  He used it for most of his life for cutting and splitting wood. When my grandfather died the axe passed on to my father.  My dad also used that axe to cut and split wood for a good share of his life, always referring to as "My Father's Axe."  One day he saw that the head had become short having been sharpened too many times.  So he replaced it as the handle was still in good shape.  Naturally, he continued calling it "Father's Axe."

After my dad passed-on, I inherited the axe.  It brought me joy to know that I had a working implement used by both my father and my grandfather.  A few years back I noticed that the handle now was badly worn and too dangerous for use, so I replaced it.  With the new handle I happily swing that axe knowing its long history.

Do you know what I call it?  It is of course "Grandfather’s Axe!"

❧