“The Philosophy Of Education” [Reflections on Ralph D. Sawyer's Translation of One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies - Battle Tactics of Chinese Warfare # 41-42]
The easy way to comprehend this view
Is shift from war to learning, teaching too –
For it’s familiar in its many forms,
Through cultures vary with its shifting norms.Besides, when “War” is used to make a point,
Some folks back off, for peacetime they anoint
With special awe and reverence, pushing sin
And evil to back burner, they begin –To make as though in peacetime all is well;
It is for some, for many it’s still hell
On earth – but inner circles seldom feel
The weight of class distinctions, which are real.But “Education” is more neutral turf –
It’s better to discuss what’s best and worst
In life, for it encompasses both parts,
And “Innocents” aspire to better art.So – using education as the frame,
Let’s look at two components, close in name –
That’s “Orthodox”, “Unorthodox” in text;
And both have roles to play, when at its best.The “Orthodox” in education’s field,
Is day-to-day engagement, so to yield
Results in long-term; “Plodding” is the term
That’s often used (disparagement it earns).“Unorthodox” is more the lesson plan
Designed to circumvent resistance – can
Be used to slip below some radar beam,
And open up some thought, in way that’s seen.The two must work in tandem – in this case,
The Orthodox, designed to carry freight,
Is for the long-haul, can sustain in time,
What brilliance never can for human mind.Unorthodox, the slipping through the lines
Of deep resistance – stages over time
Of change – so subtle, yet effectively
Engaging well, bright curiosity.Unorthodox is more a rapid burn;
It’s good for breakthroughs, how some people learn,
But rests upon the stable, steady pace
Of long-term working out of detailed case.So teachers (learners too) must use both ways
To masters some new thought – learn what it says
In some text lost in deep obscurity,
’Till in the end its fullness one can see.The present text speaks of the “Vacuous” –
“Substantial”, as opposing it in fuss –
But both dance ’round ’till boulder on the egg
Brings to an end the conflict, so it’s said.Lord, as I turn this ’round I know that sin
And evil are part of world we’re in;
And education-field is part of that –
When boulder hits the kid, like egg, and splats –Instead of being ignorance and sin
That takes the hit, it’s learners who begin
To feel the weight of what was not for them –
Which spells it out – “To my ways you should bend”.Lord, thanks for this wee intro to this thought;
Sun Pin and other writers say a lot
About unorthodox, and how it fits
With Orthodox, and how the two can mix.So too it is in ways You show Your love –
Unorthodox amidst the push and shove;
And Orthodox as stable Kingdom-life –
A mix of both is precious in Your sight.Thanks Lord for this.
navigation