Rants

I am becoming more and more troubled by the lack of discipline of any noticeable type in the American persona. Parents who worship their kids-in absence of evidence of the worthiness of such worship-, people who definitely form opinions based on opinion rather than critical thought, and lockstep partisanship; the list goes on and on in our country.

When did ignorance become fashionable? When did aspiring to be an elite thinker, musician, or scholar become something to keep quiet? It seems that yelling is debate now...our current election debates are an example. I believe we can do better-and had better do so quickly-and intend to work hard in my professional life to improve my own knowledge and discipline. Maybe I can pass some on to my students.

I wanted to suggest to readers that they take a look at this website and read the advocacy materials there: http://www.notonthetest.com/index.html. Take a look at the printed material there as well as listening to the great lyrics.

I also might humbly suggest that interested parties visit (or revisit) M.Scott Peck's book The Road Less Traveled for a vigorous and enlightening discussion of the role discipline might play...that is, unless you want to be branded an elitist!