# The Fork at the Bottom of the Drawer By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2022-09-23 In your silverware drawer, there is a fork at the bottom that rarely gets used. Multiple times per day the drawer is opened and a fork is selected from the top. It is used, cleaned, and returned to the top. Depending upon the number of people having meals at your house and the frequency of doing the dishes, sometimes the bottom fork goes months or years without a single use. Yet, when you do reach that moment, the bottom fork gladly performs its function. When this happens it is unlikely that this bottom fork will return to the bottom again for quite some time. The bottom fork may now be a top fork. Only during major holidays or gatherings is the top fork at risk of returning to the bottom. However, there must always be a bottom fork as it is the [[nature]] of forks, drawers, meals, and responsibly doing the dishes. There are many lessons to be learned from the fork at the bottom of the drawer. One is that purpose is not tied to utilization. The fork at the bottom isn't used much, but that doesn't define its worth. It still has a purpose and performs its function when called upon. Another is to always be prepared. You never know when the time will come for you to become a top fork. Conversely, you should always be ready to become the bottom fork as someone must be at the bottom. Many people believe in meritocracies and that the best performers will always be at the top. Luck plays a much larger role than anyone cares to admit. As with forks, the starting position is random within the drawer and large events can completely change the order of the forks. Real-life examples include illness, recessions, and natural [[disasters]]. Just as you value your forks equally regardless of position and utilization, you should also contemplate how you value yourself and others. One can, and at times should challenge the fork sorting system but the nature and value of forks remain. Ultimately, the fork at the bottom of the drawer is a lesson in self-worth, humility, [[gratitude]], and respect. But it also provides insight into the nature of systems and how they impact our view of the world. #### Related Items [[Systems Thinking]] [[Inequality]] [[Value]] [[Community]]