Firewood

I think that you can tell a lot about a person by the way in which they start a fire. There are many different ways to start a fire, but after lengthy observation and careful consideration, I believe that most everyone can be ascribed to one of two groups.

The first group is characterized by their overzealous usage of kindling as well as their poor long-term fire planning. How will your fire survive when you have used up all of the smaller pieces of firewood? This is an example of a question which seldom crosses the mind of a member of the first group. And, if it does, it is always accompanied by a simultaneous feeling of melancholy and quiet disappointment. Like a child that opens its Christmas presents too quickly, these people are often interested more in the short-term satisfaction of a burgeoning fire. The flare and beauty of the blazing kindling captivates and satisfies, although it is inherently ephemeral.

The second group, of course, is more interested in the long term health of the fire. They will use kindling sparingly, not only because they are more chiefly concerned with the arrangement of larger pieces of firewood, but also because they have a desire to use all resources in moderation. These are types of people who print all of their recipes for the week and then go to the grocery store to only buy the ingredients that they need.

No one belongs exclusively to either group, and it is possible to change camps during one's lifetime and even, perhaps, yes almost certainly, to change multiple times.

This is a metaphor.

Look at this Christmas Tree that we set on fire!