Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? T. S. Eliot, The Rock Contradicting Chaucer, who thought it sweet, T. S. Eliot called April "the cruellest month." As an Australian academic, I side with Chaucer. April is the most optimistic month in our academic calendar because that is when we hold our graduation ceremonies. Over the years, I have been fortunate to conduct many ceremonies in which I have welcomed scores of proud graduates to the "fellowship of educated men and women." Despite the inevitable
Thanks Steven. It's a tragic irony that we have to almost beg universities and governments to continue to try to help young minds learn about the world, about what's gone before and what people did and thought. And to question why. It's what Seneca would have called a "foolish forgetfulness of mortality". Gordon Livingston had it right with his book a few years back: Too soon old, too late smart.
I enjoyed this piece. It is elegantly written, and, akin to those who warn about the dangers of climate, warns about the increasing transformation of universities into institutes of higher technology. The same question applies, is anybody with their hands on the requisite levers, listening?
Thanks Steven. It's a tragic irony that we have to almost beg universities and governments to continue to try to help young minds learn about the world, about what's gone before and what people did and thought. And to question why. It's what Seneca would have called a "foolish forgetfulness of mortality". Gordon Livingston had it right with his book a few years back: Too soon old, too late smart.
Cheers, Andrew
I enjoyed this piece. It is elegantly written, and, akin to those who warn about the dangers of climate, warns about the increasing transformation of universities into institutes of higher technology. The same question applies, is anybody with their hands on the requisite levers, listening?