Why Pharaohs Make Shabby Friends... a Short Look at the Name of This Blog

L.M. Montgomery, who wrote the Anne of Green Gables series, has one of her characters describe that phenomenon when two people meet and know instantly that the they share something fundamental in common. The character comments that Anne must be a kindred spirit… one of “the race that knows Joseph.” 

"You’re young and I’m old, but our souls are about the same age, I reckon. We both belong to the race that knows Joseph…  If a person sorter sees eye to eye with you, and has pretty much the same ideas about things, and the same taste in jokes–why, then he belongs to the race that knows Joseph.” 

What a strange term. Who is Joseph? And what does the concept describe for interactions and friendships? When I reflect for a moment, I can describe this phenomenon in my own life. Recently, I reflected on why I sometimes meet people who just seem to speak my language. I feel like I am deaf and find someone else who can sign. Or that I am in a foreign country and find a fellow countryman.

I have met several people who, to me, are “of the race that knows Joseph.” 

These people do, indeed, span all ages. They aren’t necessarily like me in gender, religion, or life experience. Yet their differences expand me, compliment my nature, challenge my present understanding. I can (and do) talk to them all night, if given the opportunity. They make me think. They share a sense of Life being a grand exploration, even with the ever-present short rations, illness, or mosquitos that accompany such an expedition. Most are Seekers of Truth: scientists or experimenters at heart, who are always looking to add more to their present understanding. They usually are confident enough in their beliefs, or lack thereof, to be challenged. They have a sense of humor.

 Years later, I found Exodus 1:8…“Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” 

Ahhhh...  The inspiration for the concept “Knowing Joseph.” The old pharaoh had possessed an understanding of the Israelite people; the new pharaoh must have been typical of other rulers, who just wanted to use the people for his own goals.

My world is full of people who regard others as a means to their own selfish ends. I have felt them size me up upon an initial meeting:

 ‘Hmmm, now what might YOU have to offer?” 

These are pharaohs of their own social spheres. (And the term pharaoh in my home has many uncomplimentary connotations.) Those who “know Joseph” are not parasites; they strive for interdependence and seek to meet their own needs. Instead of feeling superior or using others, they almost instinctively teach and learn with every interaction. They constantly, and kindly, challenge and are being challenged. If their goal is gathering truth, they talk about ideas more often than spreading half-truths about other people. One can sense that they value the truth they have, but they are not too proud to sacrifice what they think, if they find something closer to truth.

In one amazing discussion I had with One-Who-Knew-Joseph, we decided that good science and good religion are both about seeking truth, adding to an imperfect understanding. Bad science and bad religion/spirituality are about protecting our error against correction by revealed truth because of pride or personal benefit from the status quo. Eventually, good science and good religion/spirituality will always meet, because they both seek truth.

So, here’s to Seekers of Truth and The Race That Knows Joseph. I love the initial thrill of recognizing you in your art, your writings, your music, your service, your conversations. You quicken my understanding and make my life an exciting adventure. You correct me when I am wrong instead of appeasing me. You are true Friends. One day, I hope to claim to Know Joseph with you….