AT THE VERY START Each of us must decide for ourselves what is going to be of primary importance in our life.
That act – early or delayed – is basic to what we might become.
Today we seem to have tendency to avoid dealing seriously with any idea of becoming a “doctor,lawyer or Indian Chief” for an extended time as if by making such a choice too early we might complicate our future and make it all the more difficult.
The young people of our time are being allowed choices which are judged to be “in tune with our times”. They are afforded a far wider choice of work in keeping with the expansiveness of our culture. Notice how much is centered on becoming what is called ”a success” in whatever field is chosen. The first letter of the term resembles a dollar sign and that is deemed to be the guideline in whatever field of work is chosen. A burnished dollar sign is the star of Hope for the student. It lights the way, sometimes with deceptive rays, beams and flashings. Too often it limits opportunity,as well, by decreeing by its generous gradations of sheepskins - mere paper, fancifully printed and over-embossed and all sufficiently obfuscated by language which can only lead to mediocrity.
Occupational self-deception leads us every downward. Our relaxed educational systems have become warped in favor of academic illusions is is constantly bing exhibited by the number of young ”graduates” - high school or college – who have “completed their educations” seek employment suitable to their supposed status which does not exist. They are, for the most part, required to “start over again”.
We need to realize that basic qualities of home life, church life, social involvements, human need as related to all in wants and differing and deprivation are part and parcel of this package we label so expertly and try to forget -just cover it with degrees and more formal education. “Everybody does it” is commonly used to excuse us.
Poll yourselves – that's plural - ask all parts of your personality what you like best! We use the expression “to educate ourselves.“ We do more of it than you might think we do.
A.L.M. June 2, 2005 [c539wds]
