There’s a quote that I read yesterday and it keeps tapping on my shoulder. I read Robert Fulghum’s Words I Wish I Wrote: A Collection of Writing that Inspired My Ideas some years ago. I have come back to it because I enjoyed the wisdom that he collected in this slim volume.
The man who never alters his opinion
is like standing water,
and breeds reptiles of the mind.
- William Blake
I love the simplicity and the imagery of this truth.
It reminds me to keep keeping my mind open and to keep evaluating my opinions—and how I am in a constant state of flux, nothing standing still for more than a breath.
Yesterday I got the bug to sign up for an online class at the local community college. The bug came a little late and by now most of the courses are full. I did find one course that I am contemplating taking: “Psychology of Personality: Personal, Social, Cultural Differences.” I’ve taken psychology courses before, but something about this class really draws me in. I tell myself that I could get a book or look on the web or watch a video series, but I want to explore this course and see what it has to offer—see if it can help me shed some skin on what I think I already know about the subject and stimulate my thinking—to shake the scales off and reevaluate my current opinions.
So with that, I will “empty my cup” best I can and “dive in” to the experience.
Happy Day!
5 comments:
Rebb,
I've never seen the flower in your photo. It's pretty.
About “Psychology of Personality: Personal, Social, Cultural Differences,” I wonder how detail the instructor would go into. It will be interesting. We can discuss about it after you learn new things. But I just wanted to say that there are cultures within a culture.
Keiko, I wish I knew the name of the flower. I took the photo when I was at the Botanical garden. I’m trying to remember…I think it was in the South American section. I went to the website and, yes, it’s a South American flower, but I don’t see the name.
Here’s the website if you’d like to take a look: http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/visit/plan_trip/areas/south_america.shtml
I’m not sure how much detail the instructor will go into. Since it’s a community college class, it might not be as extensive, but it will be a good review and keep my brain working. I look forward to it. It will start in mid-August, so now I have to be patient and wait :) I agree with you that there are cultures within cultures—even within families. I hope the instructor really brings the culture aspect into the class and doesn’t just skim over it.
Rebb,
I love it: Cultures within families. It's true. Probably some people know that better than one professor. I look forward to finding what you learned in the class.
Wish you best.Enjoy the journey of learning.
Thank you much, Jitu. It’s always a pleasure to see you. I wish your eblogger account worked, so I could read you. I bet you are also busy writing your book??
Post a Comment