The primary premise of the book is that nearly all of the education system (govt. based, religious based, private) fail our children. These systems edThe primary premise of the book is that nearly all of the education system (govt. based, religious based, private) fail our children. These systems educate children to be good at techniques or skills, but do not educate them to know themselves.
Without knowledge of oneself, children will grow to be conflicted between the reality of their true nature, and the constrictions of conforming to civil society or religious doctrine.
An educational system that truly sought to benefit the children would be staffed by adults who were continually studying themselves, and striving to deepen their own awareness, not just conformists seeking the safety of job, income and leisure. Only when open-minded, self-aware adults teach with true love can children learn to know themselves, and so lead dignified, effective lives.
We are far from this vision, but it is worth it for each of us to walk along this path. ...more
After having finished this book mere minutes ago I am left feeling enlightened. Herman Hesse's literary prowess and philosophical points resonate withAfter having finished this book mere minutes ago I am left feeling enlightened. Herman Hesse's literary prowess and philosophical points resonate within me. This book exudes worldly knowledge that, being of a younger age, I couldn't fully appreciate yet. Nonetheless, like all of us, I have been frustrated with life. I have suffered, felt hate, sought peace, and I too fear the end of this life. Hesse's work has served to quiet my soul and at the moment all I feel is quiet contentment, much like Siddhartha. This book just became one of my all time favorites....more
I actually got to visit Thoreau's cabin for my brother's birthday this April. Despite it being below freezing the mosquito's had already started to brI actually got to visit Thoreau's cabin for my brother's birthday this April. Despite it being below freezing the mosquito's had already started to breed. When we approached the pond we were engulfed in a cloud of them. I could almost hear them singing with delight as they began to feast. Almost... perhaps intermittently between screams. (As a side note I would like to say that I am terrified of bugs. Especially the flying ones that like to bite) In denial of the adject horror I was experiencing due to these troublesome creatures I trudged onward; looking upon the house where one of my personal heroes had lived had always been a dream of mine. Thoreau had build the cabin himself. It was a small, isolated alcove in the woods where Thoreau could be alone to write. When we arrived I couldn't believe how small it was. It was like a modern day closet with barely enough room for more than five people. His statue was just outside the front door. He was a small guy. I'd wager a little over five feet tall. He looked even smaller next to all of my relatives who all break six feet. As I peered into the Thoreau's brass face I began to remember why I love this guy.
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion."
There was a billboard with this quote next to the spot where the real cabin - which has fallen apart long ago - had stood.
After reading about how Thoreau was arrested for refusing to pay six years of missed tax payments I began to appreciate Thoreau for what he really was. A true American and a very humane person. He wasn't afraid to stand up and fight for what he believed in; nor was he frightened to suffer for it. He was no fool to be trodden over by men who supposed they had the right. His essay Civil Disobedience was instrumental to almost all subsequent social reforms. He inspired monumental figures like Mohandas Gandhi and MLK Jr. and his work did more to preserve the spirit of freedom in America than any other. I would be hard pressed to recommend a more prolific American philosopher....more
"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they d
Angry Mockingbirds
"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."
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I learned something today from the new National Geographic issue. Mockingbirds are one of the most aggressive birds and will actively protect their nests or territory. Methinks Harper Lee never had a close encounter with one of these bad boys in the midst of the wilderness. If she did maybe she would've wrote about another type of bird. Like a goshawk or something.
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Fun fact: Attila had the emblem of a Goshawk on his helmet.
This is one of my favorite fantasy trilogy's of all time. These books are in the small category that have ever utilized something as simple as footnotThis is one of my favorite fantasy trilogy's of all time. These books are in the small category that have ever utilized something as simple as footnotes to add so some much more depth and personality to the story. This epic tale is about an ambitious boy magician named Nathaniel and Bartimaeus, his wise mouth demon. Stroud's depiction of London, and its more sinister and secretive underside are perfect; while reading it you can clearly see the plot unfold in your minds eye. The connections you will develop with the character's are astonishing;(I almost cried man!) and I found myself actually being emotionally invested in these books.
In summary I highly suggest these books to anyone who loves fantasy and a darker kind of humor. Hell! I'd even recommend The Bartimeaus Trilogy to people who don't like fantasy or humor. These book are THAT good....more
The Chronicles of Narnia is one of those series you can read over and over again and always get something more out of it. The story changes as you matThe Chronicles of Narnia is one of those series you can read over and over again and always get something more out of it. The story changes as you mature and as a child I remember reading it and enjoying it merely because of the beautiful imagery. Now as a young adult I realize it's about more than that. Lewis's journey into Narnia is a journey into himself, a spiritual journey. The books are so well written that they are timeless classics with great character development, plot line, world building, and deeper meanings that can appeal to people of all ages. This Series is definitely reread worthy. ...more
This has got to be one of the darkest books I have every read. It's scary and disturbing but don't let that dissuade you from reading it. Dostoyevsky This has got to be one of the darkest books I have every read. It's scary and disturbing but don't let that dissuade you from reading it. Dostoyevsky is one of those authors who flawlessly captures the characters thoughts and mental state on paper. Dostoyevsky easily ranks among the titan's of Russian literature for the simple way the suspense is allowed to build up and how Raskolnikov changes throughout the story. Raskolnikov's moral state is akin to ethical nihilism; the effect of his over-reasoning the situation. Moral's hold no ground when put up against soulless reason and so he commits crimes he knows are wrong but cannot understand why. This is not a light read but I would recommend it to anyone over fifteen years of age who is mature enough to handle some pretty graphic content....more