Wednesday, July 23, 2003
A note on education:
There is a supreme loss involved in the fact that few people study mathematics, physics, and the other physical sciences. These disciplines use important abstract ways of thinking that are near the height of the capacity of human intelligence. Science curricula need to be expanded and have greater primacy placed on them. There is a foolish notion that circulates that there are people who cannot learn such things. I think that there are in actuality very few who cannot and it is the lack of imagination and relentlessness on the part of teachers and schools that allows for this situation.
I have also noticed an attitude towards education that makes its goal one of skill learning aiming toward the work force and of social advancement. Horribly, this omits the paradigm of study - the quest for knowledge and understanding. It is part of the money grubbing mode of capitalist society. The greatness of humanity is continuously undermined by those who wish not to further what we think and know; for what else is mankind's purpose but to understand himself and the world around her.
There is a supreme loss involved in the fact that few people study mathematics, physics, and the other physical sciences. These disciplines use important abstract ways of thinking that are near the height of the capacity of human intelligence. Science curricula need to be expanded and have greater primacy placed on them. There is a foolish notion that circulates that there are people who cannot learn such things. I think that there are in actuality very few who cannot and it is the lack of imagination and relentlessness on the part of teachers and schools that allows for this situation.
I have also noticed an attitude towards education that makes its goal one of skill learning aiming toward the work force and of social advancement. Horribly, this omits the paradigm of study - the quest for knowledge and understanding. It is part of the money grubbing mode of capitalist society. The greatness of humanity is continuously undermined by those who wish not to further what we think and know; for what else is mankind's purpose but to understand himself and the world around her.
Monday, July 21, 2003
What's the deal with people who bash postmodern thought at any opportunity? It seems to be directed towards breaking down the security of thought that previously was; it leans closer toward how the world really is: multifaceted, variegated, inscrutable, paradoxical, unsure. Gather your skirts and learn to know things without absolutes and truth. Fear not the unknown; await it patiently.
What is important out there? What do people look for to make them happy with their lives, what they do, who they are? What makes people wake up in the morning? I feel a hope, sometimes more buried than others, that there are answers, there is fulfillment and happiness. I cling to it. It seems to be the hope that comes with living: life comes with the will to live. But, the will to make life better is something that must be mustered from within or without; it is not inherent.
What is important out there? What do people look for to make them happy with their lives, what they do, who they are? What makes people wake up in the morning? I feel a hope, sometimes more buried than others, that there are answers, there is fulfillment and happiness. I cling to it. It seems to be the hope that comes with living: life comes with the will to live. But, the will to make life better is something that must be mustered from within or without; it is not inherent.
Kol hathalot kashot - Hazal
Look into the eye of the storm and there you will find all that is to be known - 22nd century poet
...and then we saw the great city of Walhatila'... we have come home - 9th century muslim prophet
Home Depot is the coziest place on earth - George W. Bush
Look into the eye of the storm and there you will find all that is to be known - 22nd century poet
...and then we saw the great city of Walhatila'... we have come home - 9th century muslim prophet
Home Depot is the coziest place on earth - George W. Bush
