FROM MY GRANDFATHER'S FATHER, I learned to dispense with attendance at public schools, and to enjoy good teachers at home, and to recognize that on such things money should be eagerly spent.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. i. 4.
MERE wisdom, perhaps, is not a sufficient qualification for the care of youth. There ought to be likewise a certain readiness and aptitude for this, and, indeed, a particular constitution of body ; and, above all, a counsel from God to undertake this office.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book iii. §21. ¶1
CHOOSE rather to have your children well instructed than rich.
Attributed to EPICTETUS..
Education is primary. We spend so much money on "extras" and "must haves" but are they furthering our education or our children's education? What is a priority in our lives?
ReplyDeleteI am really going to think about this and see just what is taking priority in my family life.
This makes me really think about how we are choosing to spend our money. On 'entertainment' rather than 'education' for ourselves and our children. Watching the 'Audition' last night crystalized for me the need for self-training. Why not excellence, in all things, indeed.
ReplyDeleteTeaching is a calling. Merely knowing something is not enough. One must have the skill to transmit it. A gift, as it were.
ReplyDeleteEducation is a life long activity. We often think after our formal schooling is over that we can now "enjoy our life". School is out forever and we can rest and sit back on our laurels. I beg to differ. I think that a life without education is a poorer existence. I want to be constantly learning new ideas and skills.
ReplyDeleteSo I must take stock of what I am spending my time on these days and figure out what needs to change or be learned.
Could not agree more, Pam. Carpe Diem!
ReplyDeleteI fell into that trap. 'The grind' of life: job, family-home duties, a little recreation and rinse/repeat. I 'forgot' to never stop questioning, dreaming, discovering...learning. Had I not 'remembered' I would have never met the Pantheist, all the Stoics --including Marcus, and all the other Philosophers, Dreamers, Thinkers and Poets. I would not be the fulfilled, yet still growing and searching, person I am at present. Nerver delay your education, seek it today and everyday. I have, ultimately, my childern to thank for mine.
Strange how that circle encloses...
@ Scott - hear, hear! To constantly immerse ourselves in the water of life... constantly educating ourselves. :) I agree that our children are some times our best teachers.
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