written; all replies written unless otherwise stated.

[payback]

I can't decide what I think about the expectations in this place

Comments

[text forever]

[derbruder]

And if there were fewer?

:>b

[payback]

I suppose I was thinking it might be easier, since they wouldn't have to sluice so many different variables through a common system. It might just be wishful thinking, though. I probably don't know enough.

[derbruder]

Wishful: but preferable, it seems! Where would the ease be? Less competition?

[payback]

That's not what I was thinking, although you probably have a point. Without needing to account for such a wide range of variables, whatever system and means of keeping order they put in place could account more for the personalities of whoever was involved.

[derbruder]

Then smaller systems, smaller schools--these are the solution. Or a smaller population? Fewer personalities, fewer variables, less of a need to maintain order.

[payback]

A balancing act, I imagine. But that's a digression anyway from what I was thinking at first.

The amount of information being shared there is [pause] impressive. Isn't there a kind of responsibility in being asked to absorb and apply that much information? But, the students are treated like children in so many ways too, and a lot of them act in a way that lives up to that, not very responsibly. They're more focused on each other or on things outside of learning then they are on the information they're being given.

[derbruder]

Information is rarely valued. Responsibility is eschewed. Minds become preoccupied with other matters, less important matters--with emotion, with one another, with distraction. That is the nature of humanity: to seek these distractions. And the defense here would be simple. Distractions are necessary, we are told!

[payback]

[something of a pause.]

The justification for that is?

[derbruder]

The mind would become obsessed. Obsessed with what it doesn't have, what cannot be had. A prison is not a prison if the prison is not considered.

[payback]

How funny. [another pause.]

Who are you?

[derbruder]

A name?

[payback]

Or an alias, I suppose. If that's what you prefer.

[derbruder]

Unnecessary. It was a question of specificity.

Giovanni.

such friendly smiles.

[payback]

Hello, Giovanni. I would dislike to ask you very much more, given that we've just met.

I'll say. if you look up friendly in the dictionary, that's what you see.

[derbruder]

A lack of curiosity? Or is it politeness? Both would be uncommon for this place. Questions upon questions.

Who are you?

Right with the komodo dragons and great white sharks.

[payback]

I wouldn't like to make a new acquaintance uncomfortable.

My name is Rin.