Polarity is possibly at an all-time high in the United States. We are dangerously divided and being led by loud, extreme voices.
I was considering a proposal that is coming before the Faculty Senate at the university at which I teach (beyond the scope of today’s posting). As I considered my thoughts on it, I came to the conclusion that “we are in an unhealthy state in this country–Spiritually, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially, as well as Physically.” This was no epiphany. I have written to this countless times before, but it brought me to the state of this nation and, more specifically, to the state of education. We claim in education to be “inclusive,” to promote “equity,” and to be expanding the minds of our students. I see, first-hand, that his claim is quite often bullsh**. I see many who would prefer to indoctrinate rather than educate. I am sure that to some extent, I am guilty—though I make a conscious effort not to be. (I want my students to challenge me—to question everything that I teach them. I want to learn as much as I want to teach. I want to grow with my students.) The thought of a “liberal” education is more often linked, today, with a “leftist” education than with the true meaning of “liberal.” Education should not be political—it is neither left nor right. Nor is it “centrist.” I would suggest, however, that is should be “well-centered.” That is, it should promote growth of the Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social self. It is not to teach student what to think. Instead, it is to teach students how to think. It concerns me that the proposal that has so aroused me is being initiated by a Philosophy professor.
We are not a “well” nation. The last year, in particular, has revealed that. We are far from being other-centered (Spiritual), we are Physically unhealthy (coronavirus aside, we are only starting to recognize—if we are willing to recognize—the tremendous cost of obesity and inactivity on our society), we are continually lowering our Intellectual standards, and we are Emotionally and Socially wanting. We need to stop listening to celebrities, self-proclaimed “experts”, politicians, and even educators and learn to think and act for ourselves. We need to learn to have polite, albeit uncomfortable, discourse. We need to challenge our thoughts and the thoughts of others. Stop being told what is right and wrong and prove it for yourself. I don’t mean this in a sense of moral relativism or the like. I mean this in the sense of absolute truth in a world of “my-truths.”
Seek to grow toward a better and more united nation/world. Let your world view be challenged and pursue wisdom. Stop following after idiots.
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but delight in airing their own opinions.”—Proverbs 18:2
And, yes, the above proverb applies to me, too.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!