“Timing is everything, in education as in many other fields. It’s not enough to teach well. You have to teach well to kids who are ready to learn, kids who are developmentally ‘ripe’ for learning.”
- Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax

Thursday, August 7, 2008

RTH: 1776

It is really sad to read about all the lives that were lost, even in a victory. And I agree with you guys about your thoughts on war, and whether or not it is ever justifiable. I suppose there are times when it is necessary, but I don't think anyone enjoys war.

I liked reading chapter two that went into detail on the character of some of the American army. It was pretty amazing that men from so many different walks of life would step up to claim there independence. They were put into "roles seemingly beyond their experiences or capacity." I thought it was interesting that a lot of them were not used to people telling them what to do, so they would come and go as the pleased. They also didn't see the sense of rules and regulations. It made me wonder if strict rules really help all that much in our own situations. I believe that we should have guidelines, and that there should be family rules, etc. But I also think that being too strict can be detrimental.

Having recently started homeschooling, and embarking on a leadership education of my own, I enjoyed the part about Nathanael Greene. He had a wonderful father who was a good man, but "his mind was overshadowed with prejudices against literary accomplishments." Nathanael told a friend that he could "feel the mist of ignorance to surround me". Sometimes I feel that way. I used to think that I knew plenty and I didn't need anymore education, but now that we are homeschooling and I have started a new chapter in my life, I often feel a little bit ignorant. I don't feel like I know enough about the things that really matter. But I have the ability to gain the education that I deserve, and like Nathaneal, I can be determined to educate myself by reading all I can, and searching out good mentors.

I need to run, I may add more later. I guess my comments aren't much about history, but my mind lately is always on the leadership education stuff, so it seems to stick out to me in everything I read.

1 comment:

Shimmy Mom said...

I felt the same way when I started home schooling. In fact after my first year of doing so, I went back to school. I'm currently working on getting my BA in Special Education on line. I have loved learning that life is all about education. You can constantly be learning something. And an "education" doesn't always come with a diploma, there are many kinds of education out there and they all have an important place. Good luck in your efforts and thanks again, for being a part of the club. I really like your blog.
*hugs*