School Stuff

Robert was asked yesterday to describe the overall goal he has in mind when deciding upon a school for his kids. He didn't give a very good answer. He'll try again.

It seems to Robert that an education should prepare kids to become creators. Creation, whether it be expressive (fine arts, literature) or systematic (ie, scientific, mechanical, organizational), is largely an irrational process. But living in modern day society (i.e., atomized, corporatized society)  requires an organized rational mind. The goal, then, is to produce kids that can navigate through both spheres. To have them develop irrational strengths so that creation is possible. And also structured brains that can relate to people and organizations in modern life. Indeed, a rational mind is needed in order to identify and isolate the shortcomings of society, which can then be improved upon through creative problem solving. 

The trick is to not become too lopsided. To not overweigh irrational faculties at the expense of mental organization. Conversely, to not become too rational. Too organized. To become locked within what Max Weber called the Iron Cage of rationality that prevents people and organizations from changing and advancing.

It also seems to Robert that there is an ordering and directionality aspect to this. If  a person is to have a chance at developing irrational (i.e., creative) faculties, then irrational thinking needs to be developed in early childhood. It is much easier to develop a rationalized mind later in life. If the foundations of creative thinking are not acquired in childhood, before, let's say, age 12,, there is little hope in developing them later. The siren song of rationality, of organizations, is too difficult to resist later in life. It is too difficult to back up and learn creativity.

So, choosing a school is about finding a place that maximizes the chance that our children will be balanced creators. Able to navigate both worlds.

Now, if we can find a school that demonstrates a dedication to both rationality and irrationality, at an affordable price, and that is within 3 blocks of our house, then we're set.