| Chapter 1: | Path Lights |
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Hard Heads and Soft Hearts: An Appeal to the Reader
I recall years ago in a first-year English literature course learning that the idealists believed that separation of lovers was tragic while the romantics believed that, in these same circumstances, love was expanded. In education, educators continue to argue which of a variety of “realities” is better. I have witnessed “soft-hearted” pedagogues being torn to shreds by their apparently “hard-headed,” critical colleagues. I have also seen the same soft-hearted pedagogues dismiss and ignore their hard-headed colleagues. What seems to be missing is acknowledgment that the skills and, often, the will to talk across this divide, or even to recognize that there is a divide, is lacking. In the end, the question as to which reality is true leads to division and alienation. Hard heads and soft hearts have something to offer, but the capacity to speak the language that crosses the divide seems to be missing. More importantly, the recognition and the connection between the human beings with these differing views are unacknowledged and lost, with resultant isolation, loneliness, and bitterness. Actually, the word both in reference to these views is far too narrow. Looking more deeply into what people are saying invariably brings out the otherness that exists even between those who apparently “speak” the same language. I use the word language here in the broadest possible sense. I am really talking about the capacity to appreciate difference not just in theory but in the crucible of dialogue. This can be very exciting, passionate, and difficult. Dialogue across the gap of otherness, diversity, and disagreement is an art that is nearly lost. Its recovery has great potential.
Sixteen Themes and Ideas
The themes of authenticity, humane living, and ever-maturing creativity run throughout this book. Although my major focus is education, I have included essays that are not directly about that subject, but which have a direct application to being human and the education of educators.