This Week’s Journal

Hello everyone! I just wanted to follow up on and continue the discussion we were having in class by offering some additional ideas and direction for the journal entries. Please take the time to at least glance over this.

So, to elaborate a bit on the quote from President Obama that I mentioned at the end of class…Well, I couldn’t find the exact quote (I promise I didn’t make it up!), but I did find one that hits on a similar note:

“This is a moment where it isn’t enough to look to the government; it’s a moment where we need to look to each other — and to ourselves.”

“In America,” he has said, “each of us is free to seek our own dreams, but we must also serve a common purpose, a higher purpose… Because, when it comes to the challenges we face, the American people are not the problem — they are the answer.” This statement speaks volumes about Obama’s belief that “government depends not just on the consent of the governed, but on the service of citizens.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/obamas-call-to-service-me_b_144951.html

For me, considering the role of government in my life is very interesting. I have noticed that because of the way in which I, and others I have spoken with about this, have been born into a system with an almost predetermined destination has the effect of isolating us from the realization that we have freedom and control over our lives. Because school has been my life for as long as I can remember, and school oftentimes seems more about the destination (education, diploma, job, security) than the journey, it is difficult to see the “light.” I have to go to school, I have to acquire a college diploma in order to do anything, then I have to get a job, figure out what I am doing with my life, etc etc whatever. And to me, all of the aforementioned social restrictions I am answering to fit under the umbrella of government and the way in which it seems to be the ultimate power that I look to for what I am to do next, as if responsibility for my own course in life is somehow not up to me. Of course it isn’t necessarily up to everyone what their position in life is and what path that dictates for them, but I believe everyone can still relate to this in some way or another. Just something to think about…is this true for you? Is it irksome that this is the way things are, or seem to be at least, or is it comforting to be able to relegate responsibility ultimately to a higher power? Simply some things to consider…

During our analysis of Kant on Monday, we discussed briefly the idea of escaping immaturity and pursuing a path to self-realization, awareness, and our ability to assume an active, exploratory approach rather than a passive and close-minded approach to our lives.

As we have seen, one way to do so is to cope with and over overcome stress in our lives. This week, consider writing about whether or not you see yourself as immature according to Kant’s definition, and if so, how knowing this affects you. Are we really in control? What roles do you play in your life?

Here is a link to the Immanuel Kant reading we covered in class, entitled “What is Enlightenment?” I encourage you to read over it as a supplement to the journal homework. It could help get ideas stirring! Remember, this is your life and taking an active position (if that is what you want) means you’ve got to walk the talk. Now’s your chance-it starts with your education right? If we are students, will we be active or passive students? You may already be an active learner. Have you always been? You may be taking a passive stance to your education, or life in general. If so, why? Sorry if I am going on a bit too much, but these types of ideas tend to make me very excited, hopeful, etc. Enjoy.

http://www.english.upenn.edu/~mgamer/Etexts/kant.html

Your facilitator,

Dylan

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