# Amateur

By [Scott Wolfe Project](https://paragraph.com/@scott-wolfe-project) · 2022-01-22

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Through the tubular walkways of Paris' metro stands a forty-something man with a grey beard.  He is swinging in rhythm with his accordion, which he plays above his open accordion chest.  Inside are low value euro coins and a sign with the gentleman's name, email address and this one word description: Amateur.  Despite the description, and as far as accordions are concerned, the guy was damn good.

It got me to thinking about some of the persistent differences between Americans and Europeans, or maybe just the persistent differences between the me (occasionally) and others (occasionally).

It would be mighty rare to see an American label himself as an amateur anything.  We have twenty-somethings strolling around in designer clothes and accessories who are experts in marketing, economics, music, law, entrepreneurism...what have you.  From college graduation to the window office...never amateurs.

We're likely all fooled about this. 

I suppose I actually am an amateur at a whole lot.  As a businessman, a husband, a grown up, a parent...  A bit liberating to admit that actually. Time to change the business card: Amateur.

But of course, damn good.

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*Originally published on [Scott Wolfe Project](https://paragraph.com/@scott-wolfe-project/amateur)*