Tonight I was explaining the basics and intricacies of IP networking to a friend. He had been online for years and working with computers and networks for even longer, but only today actually understood the how and why of the IP protocol by me explaining the history and workings of IP networks as a collection of interconnected independent devices and networks.

However much I do like to hear myself talk sometimes the real inspiration for teaching comes from that one moment where you see someone’s eyes light up when they suddenly truly understand. That flicker of sudden light is why I love teaching. If I can do that forever, I’ll be completely happy.