Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Indoctrination


     A religious or political doctrine may be beneficial for teaching beliefs.  Perhaps first spoken then written down, perhaps many centuries old or a more recent set of evolving beliefs, perhaps carved in stone, penned by our founding fathers, or formed by political parties, these doctrines provide a basis for our beliefs.  We need to be aware of how these doctrines came into being and who thought them up and wrote them down.  We also need to be aware of the methods of teaching and promoting these beliefs.
     This is where indoctrination comes in.  When we have strong beliefs, we desire to pass them on to our children and our fellow citizens.  First, we need to be aware of what we accept as true and how we came to believe what we do.  Next, we need to be aware when teaching turns into indoctrination which encourages us to accept beliefs without critical examination.  Often we cling to beliefs because we respect the teacher, the parent, the church, or the political party.  We may be encouraged to accept one point of view, discouraged to consider another.
      Let's make sure we are not being indoctrinated like soldiers who are taught to always be loyal to superiors and country and to follow orders without question.  This may be necessary in the military to win the war but not the best model for the rest of us.  We should teach how to think rather than what to think or else we will continue to use and be used by indoctrination.
    

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Too Much of a Good Thing

     In the book/movie "Divergent," young citizens are analyzed to discover their dominant personality trait, their strongest virtue, then go to live with like-minded groups: the selfless to Abnegation, the brave to Dauntless, the intelligent to Erudite, the honest to Candor, and the peaceful to Amity.  Those citizens who show strengths in a variety of virtues are considered divergent.  Those who continue their lives developing one particular virtue may do so at the expense of not being well-rounded.  They may have too much of a good thing.
     The selfless who forget themselves for the sake of others may lose their individuality and ignore their own needs.  The brave who protect from threats within and without  may become insensitive and fearless thrill-seekers.  The intelligent who pursue knowledge and wisdom may become arrogant and use manipulation to have dominion over others.  The honest who see things in black and white and give candid opinions may not see the gray areas and become too frank, tactless, and rude.  The peaceful who are kind and forgiving may overvalue staying calm and inhibit their ability to fight for what's right.  Of course, these virtues are just five of many in our real world.
    Some personality traits may be inborn; some virtues and lifestyles may be emphasized by our family.  Many people desire to develop all of the human virtues but need to take care that we don't overdevelop some at the expense of the others.  Being divergent, developing in a variety of directions, can be to our benefit.  Being different and even rebellious can help form our own unique personality.        
     
     

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Stumbles

     As we make our way along life's path, we can lose our footing and take a fall.  The path may have an impediment, an unexpected spot, a slippery surface, or our unpreparedness or inattention may cause us to trip.  Perhaps the stumble could have been prevented; perhaps, not.
     What we do afterward is more important.  Becoming more familiar with what lies ahead, plus being prepared and alert may lower our chances for another fall.  Some people will seek out an easier path, but that may not provide the challenges to develop our skills.  When we learn to navigate the more complex path, we become stronger.  We can also use our experience to help others move forward.



Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Audacity

     Depending on the circumstances and the people involved, audacity can show confidence or arrogance, daring or brashness, and may be helpful or even necessary.
     Author Bill O'Reilly labels George Patton as the most audacious general.  Patton had so much confidence in his abilities and daring in his activities and was very outspoken in his opinions.  His audacity produced great success.
     We need to realize how audacity can help us succeed.  Sometimes we need to have nerve and spunk to accomplish our goals.  Hesitation, allowing shyness to get in the way, not having confidence to try our best, fearing the judgment of others - all of these behaviors are the opposite of audacity.
     If your actions can improve the circumstances you face, you can make things happen.   Be bold, dare to be different, be audacious.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Extractions

A tooth comes out that leaves a gap,
A part of you since you were twelve.

Hair recedes and thins and grays,
Taken for granted in earlier days.

Our pace slows and loses grace,
Lines increase upon our face.

A hip, a knee that once worked fine,
To be replaced by artifice.

Eyes and ears need special aides,
To see and hear as in our youth.

Body functions diminishing,
Needing meds or a scalpel's slice.

Memory fades, questions repeated,
Confusion replacing clearer thought.

Extractions from our former selves,
The original forever gone.

We mourn the loss, adjust to change,
Being thankful for what remains.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Reunion

     We are joined together by family ties, marriage vows, and membership in a variety of groups.  Classmates form a bond, sharing memories of school days and growing up together.
     Time, distance, and other circumstances often cause separation.  Family and marital relationships may suffer stress and get to a breaking point.  Classmates no longer see each other every day, and some move away from their hometown.  Whatever the reasons, we often yearn for reunion, to return to a time when we shared something special.
     Reunions take a lot of work, effort, and planning from those who desire to bring couples, families, and classmates back together.  Those efforts create an occasion to remember former days, to renew relationships, and to look forward to the future.  A big thank you to all who join together and make reunions happen.