"Education... has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading." G. M. Trevelyan (1876 - 1962)
How very true and timeless. So often society wants things in a fast food way. We want the easy read, the colorful and shiny book. We care less and less about what is inside. In our pluralistic and relativistic world we cannot even say that one book is better than another, just like we shy away from saying one idea is better than another.
I think it is vastly important to have a value system and worldview that is true and can stand for truth and represents the world in a coherent manner. Ideas have consequences, some ideas are better than others, and some books are better than others. Even those written by "dead white guys."
At least that is the way I see it,
Derrick
Monday, August 28, 2006
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4 comments:
There must be a system of values for this wonderful country to survive and prosper. I continue to be blown away by folks who seem to act and believe that sin is "tolerable" in an ever increasing way. I have made my point at my own workplace. The enemy lost this battle of his sinful attack. It's important to keep The Lord first, and be aware that other attacks are possible. Our local high desert even had one District becoming FAR too tolerant at a recent in-service. They want staff to be tolerant of students using the F--- word! Well, this high and mighty brass has his tolerances a bit mixed up. What if one of his employees said that to him? I'm thinking his tolerance may be challenged.
I completely agree that society, in general, wants fast food type of information. This could be one of the reasons that people are so mixed up about abortion. Some people believe in abortion, some don't, and others have conditions. Those who believe that abortion should not be legal, unless it was rape or incest (conditional), do not take the time to think about what they are saying. We want a quick and easy response that will please most individuals. It is harder and takes more effort to think about what you believe in and why you believe in it. It takes far less effort to just spout off some nice sounding answer.
I love your analagy.. " Fast Food " type of information is a good way to describe it. Taking the time to get into the depth and true reality of an issue requires effort and time. This is maybe a part of why these phony degree mills are selling realistic looking degrees by the truckload. Certainly, they are worthless, but many people want it RIGHT NOW regardless of the worthlessness of the document. Schooling and certification take time, patience, effort, and dedication. I am in a position at my job site to see how some people want to sue their way to retirement. They do not want to earn it. They want it now regardless of who it hurts or impacts. This is the small minority, yet this problem exists. Me, I'm retiring ( Lord Willing) at age 61-62. I feel it is far better to retire rightfully with a clear conscience and an earned retirement.
So, what I am wondering is how to develop our students into students that get a more delayed gratification outlook. That seems to be a difficult one to teach.
I remember hearing of a study where kids were given one marshmallow. They were promised another one in a minute or two if they did not eat the one. Well, some ate, some did not.
The kids were followed for years afterward, and those who could not wait were the ones who had trouble with drugs, alcohol, and other destructive behaviors.
Derrick
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