I would say that thinking for oneself is a key factor in self-directed learning; not taking everything at face value or believing something just because some “expert” says it’s true.
It is astonishing how often people forget to think for themselves. It is a trait that is actively discouraged in our schools and by our media. Peddlers of medicine or dogma or party politics don’t want people to ask too many questions, and all too often, the people comply.
The last 24-48 hours have been filled with a lot of stories, accusations, judgments and opinions. Some of it directly related to the unschooling community, and some playing out on a national scale.
What should we believe?
Sometimes it is impossible to know for sure. But we can do research, we can use our brains and do our best not to be swayed by marketing or propaganda. We can resurrect our common sense and that innate instinct of right and wrong that most of us have, even if it has gone unused for some time.
For example:
As the Buddha said, “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”
In other words, think for yourself.
“The last 24-48 hours have been filled with a lot of stories, accusations, judgments and opinions. Some of it directly related to the unschooling community, and some playing out on a national scale.”
how? I’ve just been aware of the verdict…what was related to the unschooling community?
Exactly! I am so happy to see the topic of this post. It is more important than ever to trust ourselves. Do not believe me, believe yourself.
Jen
Yes, but – regarding unschooling – we are not finding it easy to think for ourselves. The voices that have been passed down saying “You need to learn all these things… what if you want to become an astronomer and you don’t know enough math?” “What if you want to become a physicist or a doctor and you don’t know enough biology or chemistry?” Grandparents who are ‘concerned’. Relatives who think we are crazy. Our own fears that we are not available enough as two working parents. How do we find balance or courage or wisdom or clarity?
Hi Al,
Thanks for the comment, and sorry for the delay in getting back to you! What I would say is, “Those who decide they want to become an astronomer go about learning the math they need to know. Those who want to become physicists or doctors will be drawn to the sciences and will therefore learn the things they need to know.” Not everyone needs to study dentistry just to find the few kids who want to become dentists! You don’t need to learn everything about everything “just in case”. What needs to happen is that kids need to be encouraged in whatever catches their interest, which then may lead to them finding their passion and life’s work. Trust me, if their goal is to be an astronomer, the math will be a welcome part of that goal. And it will be obvious. As a parent, what it takes is awareness and acceptance that the path won’t be straight or perfect, but it will always be genuine.
Wow, that video is incredible. Thank you so much for sharing it! How refreshing to see young people thinking for themselves, especially when under such extreme propaganda and political/social stress.