Originally Posted by
el34
I'll answer anybody's question if I am capable. Being 67 and an intense observer I'm also worried sick about the entitlement mentality but I don't think it applies to knowledge seeking. Even if it is for a quick effortless gain it can be opportunity to generate deeper interest and possible passion. When you've successfully triggered that, you're a hero.
All this reminds me of how grateful I need to remember to be for those that answered the myriads of novice questions I've asked since 2nd grade. I remember the occasional "not tellin you, go look it up" which was just a shortlived speedbump in my effort to learn from someone simply willing to enlighten me. Thank goodness the discouragement didn't shut me up.
Recluse had very little hope of rescuing his male student- it's when you first try to help and figure out your student refuses to learn the prerequisites is when you have to either abort the attempt, simply and truthfully explaining why, or try another approach aimed at encouraging an interest in learning the necessaries.