11/21/2001; 1:31:40 PM

Geoff Allen wrote to Dori Smith: “I’m not a ‘know-it-all’ parent like Dave Winer complains about, not at all… But I do know that one thing we must all learn in life is that the world is unfair, illogical, and doesn’t behave in the ways we want it to. It’s much easier to learn this as a child than as an adult!”

While I agree with this basic sentiment, there are times when you don’t have to just go along with it. In fact, there are times when you shouldn’t just go along with it.

Most people have heard the serenity prayer at one time or another: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

It’s not good enough to just do everything you’re told. To do that is to sell yourself short, and to disrespect your own life. To truly be alive, it’s important to ask the “why” question: that’s the wisdom part. Then you must choose whether a situation demands courage or serenity.

Here’s a link from Aaron: Top Ten Mistakes in Education. “Mistake #9: Schools believe discipline is an inherent part of learning… The threat of a ruler across the head makes children anxious and quiet. It does not make them learn. It makes them afraid to fail, which is a different thing altogether.”

Aaron has lots more links here.

BTW, Geoff: Please turn on your discussion group.
2:38:20 PM  

I am 49% Grunge.


1:31:40 PM  

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