I suppose I'm about half way through this work by Daniel Pink. I'm probably one of those who is skeptical of the "artsy fartsy" crowd, so I'm having to take what I can from the book. The design portion I could have done without. Fancy toilet bowl cleaners and affordable designer pocket books are nice... but I'm not convinced that all of these items designed for 'beauty' as well as utility, are not a reflection of our shallow culture with nothing better--so they believe--to spend money on. I can see the quality of having warm, well lighted hospital rooms and such, but....
The section on story is a bit more intriguing to me as an educator--perhaps that's why the book hasn't impacted me as much as it may some, because I don't fear my job being outsourced or being taken over by software. (As a high school teacher where kids lack literacy/analysis/synthesis/comprehension skills the human role is certainly still necessary... on the college level I'll have to agree with big brother see here)
But as I was saying... the story part of the work is interesting and is something that I will attempt to employ in the classroom. I certainly agree that learning takes place in narrative form.
As far as yearning for meaning in this world of abundance, I have been telling you so for a while. The search for meaning has been removed from education. Spiritual issues cannot be discussed in any tangible way without fear of a lawsuit by the ACLU. I'm not a proponent of evangelizing any religion, but discussions of life and love and truth and beauty and justice and peace and existence are tough when limited to human existence--because it is so simple to point the finger at someone who may propose such notions. I'm sure my position here is unclear at best....
I do look forward to finishing the book over the weekend.
dt
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Indeed, jt. Part of my skepticism probably comes from the fact that I feel I am balanced--for the most part--in R and L directed thinking. Perhaps I am just unaware that the dominance of L directed is as prevalent as Pink contends.
I am enjoying the ideas.
dt
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