Interests:classic books, music, swords, models, puzzles, missions, law, astronomy, politics, acting, guns, free trade, sea animals . . . the list is almost endless Expertise:one-on-one talks with good friends, and hard work (when I'm in the mood) Occupation:Student
*Some notesl in reply to the question, "Having our children 'own' their theology/worldview and life is important but the handoff is a challenge to us! Any ideas?"
Sinking in? When could you tell that it was sinking in for me, mom?
The development of worldview takes a lifetime. Of course your student isn't "getting it" right now. No one should be expected to sound like a PhD philosophy professor until he has at least had half the experience.
The best you can do for a mother, is affirm that she is doing well. Her son attends class, is usually prepared, engages in the conversation, and has periodic episodes of brilliance. You may both trust that he will eventually learn how to make these things more consistent as he sees the benefit of doing well and the inconvenience of doing poorly.
There is a fine balance between setting the standard of perfection and assessing a reasonable achievement. No one will meet all your hopes or expectations. They may meet 90%, they may meet 50%, or they may completely surprise you by achieving things you had never thought about. But they will never do exactly what you had in mind. Embracing this may seem like lower standards, but it is simply accepting the reality of imperfectability and individuality. It is something for both students and teachers to understand and keep in mind.
If it is the student's job to do everything that the teacher expects, and a little more, and it is the teacher's job to expect all that the student could do, but a little less, then they will both be satisfied at the same point.
How do you make the student do it? If he wants it, he will do it. You can only help him want it. Never underestimate the subtle powers of shame, disappointment, satisfaction, and accomplishment. Make the student truly feel these, and you can change more than his outward actions. You can reform his soul.
If you really believe that you are doing the best for your child, tell him. Tell him all the reasons why. Let him puzzle through them and live to experience them. If you are right, he will eventually agree because truth confirms itself. You just have to have the patience to let him show you.
A) Spend 3-5 years getting an advanced degree in the more philosophical side of politics, then commit the rest of my life to teaching/writing/speaking on the subject - possibly for little or no pay
or
B) Spend 1-3 years getting an advanced degree in practical politics and a J.D., then commit the rest of my life to pushing papers/managing offices/talking about what could happen in the world - possibly for hundreds of thousands of dollars
or
C) Spend no time getting an advanced degree, give up all thought about politics, then commit the rest of my life to feeding children and tending a garden
“When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.” ~Erasmus
I love books. I love deals. Natural I enjoy a bit of book-dealing.
When my mother invited me to a book-sale where I could get a bag full of old, recognizable classics for $10, I considered this a worthwhile way to spend a dull hour or two of a Sunday afternoon. I never thought it would be quite so productive. Two hours, thirty-something books, and a few bucks later, I drive home with a mini gold-mine worth over $100 of internet market value. That's over $50/hr! Addiction sealed.
Of course, I don't expect to make a living off this sort of thing. My new Latin Poetry reader might be priced to make up for the whole lot, but who is going to buy a dusty worn dead language in this economy? Still, just a few recognizable titles or authors will almost guarantee a profit. After all, if someone as ignorant as I am knows that Hugo is a classic, chances are very good someone else might be looking for him too. If I do it right, I can at least recoup my outlays while adding to my micro-treasury.
On those rare occasions when I think about entrepreneurship, investments, and retirement, I don't think about my bookshelf. I usually think about banks, real estate, and gold. These are the things that are secure. They are reliable. They are real investments.
But then I began to tabulate my worth in paper and ink? With just a modest half-shelf, I already have a good little bundle. That is just the base economic value, not including the sentimental and moral value added by a mother's voice, late night stealth, or a professor's commendation. With this added value, no bank account could hope to compare. And it is safe. If nothing else, memories are always inflation proof. And just try stealing enough books to make it worth the effort. Got a wheel barrow for these German marks?
So, when I get a little money . . .
If people tell me to start investing, I think I will start showing off my open store room of paper gold.
