Are we scholars?

[L Verge]

I suspect (without looking it up) that the word "scholar" has its basis in a Latin word for "to study." However, I think that a scholar is several notches up on the scale because he/she has gained a good amount of knowledge in a particular subject. I think that qualifies quite a few of our forum members as scholars on Lincoln and/or the assassination, Civil War, 19th-century culture, etc.

I'm lucky enough to get paid for using my scholarly pursuits. I tell people that I am one of the fortunate people who turned my avocation into my vocation.