We often hear of the sanctity of life. This is undoubtedly true. Existence is miraculous. I am unique — there is no one like me, there never has been and there never will be. However, as I have often said, I will remain closed to my potential unless I open my personal portal, of which only I possess the key. If I fail to put it in the lock and turn the latch, a two-step process – in other words, you desire to learn, find your mission in life and you act on this knowledge — you will remain sealed. Look at the vast majority of mankind; take some time and study the eyes of people. Most are not fulfilled and enlightened: why not?
Crudely put, it is only through a liberal arts education (1) that a man grows. “Education is not to reform students or amuse them or to make them expert technicians. It is to unsettle their minds, widen their horizons, inflame their intellects, and teach them to think straight, if possible.” (2) But what is an education: it is, most certainly, not some type of degree or certificate, is it?
Many world leaders claim to have a plethora of scholastic documents, but they are seemingly very insensitive and foolish people. A big problem in all of this (and I speak with some chronological experience) is that we are educating today in a similar manner in which I was first schooled – a distance of some 50 years. During this time, we have put people on the moon, extended the lifespan of most people, (3) reduced the levels of global poverty, (4) and introduced the Internet.
It is not surprising that the young are disappointed with learning. “Ask any schoolchild why they don’t like school and they’ll tell you: ‘School is prison.’ They may not use those words, because they’re too polite, or maybe they’ve already been brainwashed to believe that school is for their own good and therefore it can’t be prison. But decipher their words and the translation generally is, ‘School is prison.'” (5) This is certainly a sobering thought.
What must be achieved at school? As educators, parents, and teachers, we must impart the skills to learn how to think critically and then the capacity to analyze the overwhelming amount of data that literally “washes over” all of us on a daily basis. How do you learn to think critically — what is the meaning of this term?
“Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness.” (6)
Wow: this is “quite a mouthful!” This means to simply accept nothing at “face value” and ponder its meaning. This is especially true when deciphering the daily stream of information. Many popular slogans and claims will come to be debunked over time and yet, at present, they seem true on a visceral level: just think of ongoing world events. Recently, I watched a documentary on the Hindenburg disaster of 1937. (7) Initially, the catastrophe was attributed to a bomb planted on board the airship. It was finally ascribed to a series of human errors combined with natural phenomena. This was a quiet end to a dramatic beginning: the tragedy itself.
This then is what must be fully explored: the preciousness of my life and how I must make it flower so that I can share its bouquet with everyone. The great intellectual, scholar and freethinker, Robert Green Ingersoll (8) leaves us with a thought: Surely there is grandeur in knowing that in the realm of thought, at least, you are without a chain; that you have the right to explore all heights and depth; that there are no walls nor fences, nor prohibited places, nor sacred corners in all the vast expanse of thought.
A closing thought: It is often claimed that I am just a single man and I can in reality do nothing. This is, of course, not the case. I can have influence over my family, my friends, and my colleagues. If each of us were to be but an example of how we believe we should live and truly care for our fellow man – the Common Good – we can change the world. This I truly believe: even in the confusing times that we live in.
To sum up: This week we spoke about the uniqueness of each and every human being. (This perhaps should be extended to all creatures.) This distinctiveness, nonetheless, must be nurtured to be truly brought into bloom – much like a flower needing water to grow and mature.
To be noted: From Robert N. Anthony (9) — The opposite of bravery is not cowardice but conformity.
Just for fun: Handel: Trumpet concertos
For reflection: Eva Braun Dancing in “Downfall”
This week on your energetic walk, please ponder the uniqueness of your life and how you must make it grow.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful
Quote: Today, I awake to another moment of gratitude.
Footnotes:
1) What is a Liberal Arts Education?
3) Lifespan continues to increase with each generation
4) The truth on poverty reduction around the world
5) “Why Don’t Students Like School?” Well, Duhhhh…