Thinking For Yourself

I had an interesting conversation with my neighbor this afternoon. We discussed the importance of developing qualities in children: things like being self motivated, desiring to improve, and wanting to be the best that you can be. As a child, I was enthusiastic about learning and  doing well in school. I usually won the spelling bee each Friday in 5th grade. I didn't really understand why, but almost 100% of the time I was the last person standing at the front of the room, spelling out the final word. I used to wonder if it was an inherited ability.  I thrived on  the challenge and recognition. If that happened today, the parents would probably complain. I'm afraid we are losing the drive for excellence. 

In those days, the teachers put up partitions at our desks. We were not allowed to copy the answers from our neighbors. We had to know them ourselves. If we hadn't studied, our test score would reflect it. You couldn't depend on someone else to do the work for you. It was your responsibility. When people don't learn this way, they expect others to "help" them. They want to ride on your coattails, and to take the easy route. It's a very passive existence, and people who think this way don't develop to their potential. 

My parents and aunt were avid readers, so I followed suit. I think that reading is a habit that is greatly underrated and underused. When I was in elementary school, we were sometimes allowed to read library during class, as a treat. I so looked forward to it. Reading  teaches you rhythm, sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. Just by becoming absorbed in a book, your brain and memory is exposed to what it needs to write and speak well. Children need to soak in material with proper grammar. If you aren't hearing the language being spoken correctly at home, reading well written books will uplift and educate you. It has a simple but profound effect on the ear. 

I am so saddened to hear how the California schools are no longer supporting the work of Helen Keller, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Rose Wilder Lane. These are authors who really wrote from the heart, and with honesty and purity. Their childhood perspective doesn't fit in with today's "politically correct" society. These books opened up a whole new world for me. They were vivid, expressive, and eloquent.  I hope that parents will continue to give these inspiring classics  to their children.

I mentioned to my dad the other day that I had read that some of the younger people today have no desire buy a car, or to own a house. "They don't want a job, either," he added. I laughed at his honesty. To be fair, I see many bright and talented people in their twenties working diligently at Barnes and Noble, Sprouts, and even in the Broadway shows that I see on tour.  They seem excited to be working, and it warms my heart.  I think much of it has to do with what we have observed in our parents. Perhaps those that don't want these responsibilities are people whose parents were struggling with debt.  My guess is that they don't want that stress.     

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