To the surprise of many who know much more than myself about literature and the arts, Bob Dylan has become the first singer-songwriter to win the Nobel Prize in literature. For me it makes not even the slightest difference to the “World of Stu”! I wonder how Bob feels about his prestigious award and I wonder if he will sing his acceptance speech?

Being ignorant of such things I did some research and discovered a lot. Bob Dylan – or his birth name Robert Allen Zimmerman was born on 24th May 1941 and has been influential in popular music for five decades and is a prolific chain smoking. One good and the other will kill most mortals at some stage. Apparently Bob is the exception to the rule! Maybe his song “Knocking on Heavens Door” reflects his increased risk of lung cancer? Although I am not an expert…. he can’t sing that well. In fact, I don’t rate him that highly as a singer. But his songs are just out of this world. Interestingly, he has been referred by those in the know as a journeyman. He depicts the truism “that life is a journey, not a destination”. He is a famous icon but rarely seen him in the gossip pages or the news. He remains a mystery. Where does he live? How many kids does he have? Is he or is he not married? It seems that no one knows! His lyrics contain many great gems of wisdom that I can apply in context of being a financial adviser. Here are two of the best:

“what looks large from a distance, close up is never that big” – most financial problems are fixed with simple solutions that are obvious if you only look closely enough and

“people don’t do what they believe in, they just do what’s most convenient, then they repent” - It is too convenient to put lip service to having your financial affairs in good order. The reality when it goes pear shaped and it is when many will react!

Some additional titbits I found:

· He paints and does it extremely well;

· He has his own radio show;

· He has written a great memoir;

· Has been the subject of countless books, articles, websites, blogs and even a movie or two; and

· Is an actor and was a Travelling Wilbury too!

Most would be lucky to achieve one notable thing and Bob has done so much! Congrats on your award and thanks for those lyrics and those great pieces of advice!

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