Thank you, Jack, for taking the time to write a most informative reply.
I understand your previous comments better, and I see that I
interpreted them incorrectly.

Your "good night and good luck" closing is especially apt.
Paraphrasing you again, flying has at its base the phrase "that which
doesn't kill you makes you a better pilot". At least, I think this
fits with your comments about non-linearity in learning, the need to
always have a plan B and C, and the acquired ability to actually
believe that anything is possible.

The trouble is that this mode of learning is extremely hard on low time
pilots like myself. Of course we get the fundamentals from our
instructors and our textbooks, plus more from reading accident reports
and anecdotes and taking periodic rides with an instructor, but I think
there's so much more that we neophytes could learn from those who
have paid their dues in the cockpit. However, you identified the
problem yourself: your intention is to "listen more than talk" in
a field in which "those with the most to tell don't like to talk too
much about themselves, or about what the rest of us would call their
considerable accomplishments".

Do you have any thoughts on how we newbies might lower this barrier,
Jack? My idea involves plying you with your favorite beverage in a low
key setting, but you're a rarity in that you'll say something to a
stranger. Heck, I wasn't even able to get my own Dad, who flew for the
Navy in WWII, to give me the benefit of his experience by talking about
what he'd learned..

Have fun, fly safe, and good luck to you, Jack.

-John

Jack wrote:
There's the outline of a potentially interesting topic.

Active and retired professional pilots on this list, with both military
and civilian experience, who in addition have a lot more experience with
sailplanes than I, might have some fascinating comments. You'll notice
though, if you are here for awhile, that those with the most to tell
don't like to talk too much about themselves, or about what the rest of
us would call their considerable accomplishments.

I want to keep an open mind about the airplane, the weather, and my own
ability; learn something new on every flight; take on a new challenge,
or three, very season; listen more than talk, and always have a plan B,
and C. It's a LOT more fun that way.

However, preparing for the unexpected is a contradiction. You can only
prepare for those things you are willing to admit can happen. That's the
value of experience, perhaps. It's easier not only to admit that
anything is possible, but to actually believe it.

Jack