Apr 3 2012: Echoes of Nietzsche. Cultural bias defines history. Like most of his sophist remarks, "those who forget the past are doomed to relive it" is misinterpreted as a life lesson to be taught. He was actually referencing his theory of eternal recurrence. I'd like to know your opinion of my reply to the history question. Thanks
Apr 3 2012: The problem with history being taught to students under the age of 20 is that they lack cognitive abilities to fully grasp the narrative, to use the modern parlance. Doesn't history gain significance as we as humans mature? For the same reason that only people who have passed the midpoint of life believe doomsday is imminent (latent fear of their own demise), young people are better served learning contemporary geography and current affairs and then working backward. The problem with our educational system is that we start from the beginning and work forward. All people lose interest in things that seem far removed from themselves. It is only with the perspective of age and experience can we see the bigger picture.
Mar 28 2012: A friend of mine recommended this site to me and I have to say I enjoy the freedom of public discourse it offers. Your question is well conceived with good intention. Thanks for initiating me into this community! Adam
Mar 27 2012: "Follow your bliss!" Joseph Campbell
These three words quite simply began a process of transformation in my whole view of the universe. This advice comes from the ancient idea that if I do what gives me joy the universe will protect and care for me, in fact I will place myself on a path that was waiting for me all along, surrounded by others who will guide and help me. How do I know what gives me biss? It's easy, really. Listen to what my heart is telling me. I have since expanded on this quote with the help of Einstein, who suggested the most important question I can ask each and every day is whether I live in a friendly universe or a hostile one. I have discovered that by choosing to live in a universe that wants me to feel joy, to feel good, in all my waking moments it is possible to have a joyous day every day. By accepting this concept into my reality, I still have events I don't necessarily agree with happen to me many times, but they no longer have influence over my inner peace and joy! Also, it is fun to observe others because very quickly I seem to be able to determine what kind of universe they are choosing to live in. Thank you Joe!
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A reply on Conversation: Is History an important subject in school? Or should we be focusing on the future?
A comment on Conversation: Is History an important subject in school? Or should we be focusing on the future?
A comment on Conversation: What is your favourite quote and why?
A reply on Conversation: What is your favourite quote and why?
A comment on Conversation: What is your favourite quote and why?
These three words quite simply began a process of transformation in my whole view of the universe. This advice comes from the ancient idea that if I do what gives me joy the universe will protect and care for me, in fact I will place myself on a path that was waiting for me all along, surrounded by others who will guide and help me. How do I know what gives me biss? It's easy, really. Listen to what my heart is telling me. I have since expanded on this quote with the help of Einstein, who suggested the most important question I can ask each and every day is whether I live in a friendly universe or a hostile one. I have discovered that by choosing to live in a universe that wants me to feel joy, to feel good, in all my waking moments it is possible to have a joyous day every day. By accepting this concept into my reality, I still have events I don't necessarily agree with happen to me many times, but they no longer have influence over my inner peace and joy! Also, it is fun to observe others because very quickly I seem to be able to determine what kind of universe they are choosing to live in. Thank you Joe!