One phrase I keep on hearing in the School is, 'Times have changed ...,' to explain why there isn't the commitment, or the numbers, or whatever it is. Anything unsatisfactory in School - to which there appears to be no answer - is laid at the door of Times Have Changed.
So common is this phrase that it is never challenged. At the turn of the 20th century Beatrice Webb (of the social reforming duo Sidney and Beatrice Webb) used to declaim to visitors that 'Marriage is the wastepaper basket of the emotions.'
Whether or not that is the case, Times Have Changed is certainly the wastepaper basket of the School. If you don't like something - you know in which direction to throw it.
Now Times Have Changed, although I'm not revealing any secret by saying that is nothing new.
But that poor old wastepaper basket is a dull sapper of energy. It shouldn't go unchallenged.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Below the parapet - words
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6 comments:
The Way of the World is, of course, to blame other people ... to say "Times Have Changed".
The commitment and the numbers are falling in branches where the senior students are not examplary philosophers. The commitment and numbers are rising where there are some better examples.
That seems to embody a universal law - called 'cause and effect', or if you prefer 'sanskara'.
There are various aspects to the phrase 'Times have changed', as used.
It's used to gloss over past mistakes. We should admit them -- but the School is developing, yes ?
But there are other changes we have to take into account -- like, it's not possible to park outside School premises for free like it once used to be; working hours don't make it easy for everybody to arrive at 6 am, or 6 pm ...
And then there's that other matter of 'let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven...', quote...what we give out...that's where we need to keep our eye on the ball as 'times change'...
Or another variation of the law, 'What goes around, comes around,' or 'As you sow, so shall you reap.'
I don't find myself very interested in 'times have changed,' as times are always changing. What is more concerning is that this little phrase is trotted out without examination and stands like a small but obstinate gatekeeper between us and the reality of a situation.
What other phrases or sentiments may there be which perform a similar obstructive function in School life?
I'm tempted to cite a few of my favourites, Laura, but I'm afraid it wouldn't do me any good. ;-)
One thought that comes to mind is that "second line duty" could be construed for Senior people differently than for middle school or whatever is now the equivalent - they should be required to give of their talents to the wider community. That would move us along with the times.
Yes,it's been mentioned before that the answer to apathy and 'tiredness' will not be addressed by an increase in duties, longer residentials, etc.
There's scope here for a more imaginative approach. Work in the community may be one path, a sabbatical to spend time on a chosen path of study or course of action may be another, and, my favourite, enrolment in Part 1 as a student with no other duties or activities. Very refreshing!
We would need to be careful not to be seen as missionising when working in the community but, that said, it could be very useful. Many of us already offer time and talents in our communities and work places on a pro bono basis. It's to be encouraged.
I have felt from time to time that the School is jealous of the time available to individuals. It would like more of it.
This, too, needs to be addressed.
I don't suppose it could be formalised, but the tutor could interview his students and individually help them to decide how they might best contribute.
I think that it should not be called "duty", though. "Senior" people ought to be beyond that - their lives are a testament to what they are.
I know a student who plans to run a philosophy course for disabled children, and another one (part 2) who is teaching the exercise to his colleagues in the hospital where he works.
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