(no subject)
So I was just happened to be browsing the Internet when I stumbled across an article on MSN that was talking about the things that everyone should learn. This guy interviewed several professionals - a lawyer, an enginneer, a psychologist, a teacher, and some others, and asked them what they thought the most important thing to know about their field was. The results were pretty interesting...you can find the article on... http://encarta.msn.com/column_knowmain_tamimhome/Know_It_All_What_Should_Everyone_Learn.html
Anywho, I thought about that, and it struck some kind of chord in me. I'm always thinking "Damn ignorant fools!" so I asked myself, "Just what makes someone ignorant? What do you think everyone should learn...what's essential?" So I decided to make a list...this is just my opinion, but I think that everyone should comment and make your own lists. This isn't final, mind you, just what I can think of right now off the top of my head.
1. I'm a big fan of literature. There's a reason that good books stick around so long and affect us so much. I think that everyone should read at least one piece of classic literature, and one New York Times Bestseller each year. Doesn't matter the subject or length or depth of knowledge. Just read.
2. Not everyone is like you. Not everyone wants to be like you. Not everyone likes you. And that's ok.
3. Knowledge is important. Master something, whether it's the reformed religion of 17th century peasants in Northern France, or plumbing, or collecting antique die-cast cars. Just learn something, and learn it well.
4. It's cliche, I know, but the golden rule. Both in a philisophical and practial sense. Don't talk on your cell phone in the library, don't swear at someone who makes a mistake, don't do something to (or around) someone that you wouldn't want someone doing to (or around) you.
5. I think that as Americans, we should all study the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. These three documents are what not only what helped found our country, but what sets us apart from everyone else. Every aspect of our daily lives are defined by these documents, yet most of us have never read them. They should make it some sort of mandatory quarter class in high school. Read them, learn them, and know them. You can't appreciate your rights unless you know them first.
6. Don't believe everything you hear, read, see, etc. Doesn't matter if a world-renowned scientist, prophet, teacher, doctor, parent, etc. told you so. Learn about things for yourself. Decide if things are true or not for yourself. Don't just go with the flow, don't just believe on blind faith. You don't necessarily have to prove or disprove everything, just don't believe it because "I heard it somewhere."
7. Appreciate art. Doesn't matter the medium, doesn't matter if you like it or not, or agree with it or not. Chances are the artist didn't do it for you. He did it to express some sort of emotion or thought within himself. Appreciate and respect that, no matter your opinion on it.
Anywho, I thought about that, and it struck some kind of chord in me. I'm always thinking "Damn ignorant fools!" so I asked myself, "Just what makes someone ignorant? What do you think everyone should learn...what's essential?" So I decided to make a list...this is just my opinion, but I think that everyone should comment and make your own lists. This isn't final, mind you, just what I can think of right now off the top of my head.
1. I'm a big fan of literature. There's a reason that good books stick around so long and affect us so much. I think that everyone should read at least one piece of classic literature, and one New York Times Bestseller each year. Doesn't matter the subject or length or depth of knowledge. Just read.
2. Not everyone is like you. Not everyone wants to be like you. Not everyone likes you. And that's ok.
3. Knowledge is important. Master something, whether it's the reformed religion of 17th century peasants in Northern France, or plumbing, or collecting antique die-cast cars. Just learn something, and learn it well.
4. It's cliche, I know, but the golden rule. Both in a philisophical and practial sense. Don't talk on your cell phone in the library, don't swear at someone who makes a mistake, don't do something to (or around) someone that you wouldn't want someone doing to (or around) you.
5. I think that as Americans, we should all study the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. These three documents are what not only what helped found our country, but what sets us apart from everyone else. Every aspect of our daily lives are defined by these documents, yet most of us have never read them. They should make it some sort of mandatory quarter class in high school. Read them, learn them, and know them. You can't appreciate your rights unless you know them first.
6. Don't believe everything you hear, read, see, etc. Doesn't matter if a world-renowned scientist, prophet, teacher, doctor, parent, etc. told you so. Learn about things for yourself. Decide if things are true or not for yourself. Don't just go with the flow, don't just believe on blind faith. You don't necessarily have to prove or disprove everything, just don't believe it because "I heard it somewhere."
7. Appreciate art. Doesn't matter the medium, doesn't matter if you like it or not, or agree with it or not. Chances are the artist didn't do it for you. He did it to express some sort of emotion or thought within himself. Appreciate and respect that, no matter your opinion on it.