Exploring a philosophy of education should be like a slow boat to China. The waters are immense, the boat is slow, and there is not likely to be a traffic jam.
In this long journey, one can play cards onboard or one can compose an epic poem. Or, one can contemplate one's life events and get a rough estimate how long it is ging to get to where one's going and what will one find there.
There is a story of a man who left his own city to live in another. When he came to the gatekeeper of the new city, he asked, "How is living in this city? What are the inhabitants like?"
The gatekeeper said in response, "What were the inhabitants of your city like?"
"They are all crooks, scoundrels, and opportunists!"
"Well, unfortunately, that's what you will find in this city. Thiefs, pimps and murderers."
The traveler continue to walk on.
Another traveler came upon the new city and asked the gatekeeper the same question: "What are the inhabitants of this city like?"
To this, the gatekeeper answered as before with the previous traveler, "What were the inhabitants in your city like?"
"Oh, they are wonderful! Kind, generous, forgiving, and beautiful!"
"Then, by golly, you will find the exact thing here!"
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The moral here is that one who judges may judge himself how he judges others. It is like asking the question: What does it mean a rolling stone gathers no moss?
The answer may be: One who lives in glass house shouldn't throw stones. One answers one parable with another parable. We carry with us what we are everywhere we go.
The Tao Te Ching says, "He who travels lighter travels farther."
The point is not to take excessive baggage when traveling.
How does all this relate to my educational philosophy? Don't expect that education is just a place to learn a new skill or another theory. Expect, at least a liberal arts degree, education to change you. Hopefully to be one who is reflective, independent, honest, and tenacious. The truth is never easy to recognize.
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