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Don’t Listen to Idiots

20 February 2010 3 Comments

“Don’t pay attention to those bozos. They don’t know what they are talking about.”

It’s so easy to be jaded by reading news, commentary, and blog posts about homeschooling and education. There are many opinions out there that make us wonder whether we are living in the same world as they are.

But, perhaps, it’s also too easy to write people off because they don’t agree with us. As a result, we lose out on a lot of our own learning and personal growth.

I wrote a very long post on this subject, then I deleted it. Instead, I’d rather suggest that we simply meditate on the value of considering differing (ie. idiotic, hypocritical, naive, biased) opinions on education. We are homeschoolers. We have the opportunity to open our minds to so many possibilities and perspectives. Who knows what might happen. We might be surprised what we find.

This post was inspired by: Idiots, cultivating openness

3 Comments »

Cara said:

Your inspiration is quite inspiring!

I try to understand, or guess at, possible reasons why the ‘idiot’ would believe this way. Sometimes i can see their position and be sympathetic. Other times, I just have to accept that it is as it is, but it doesnt affect me. I really think you need to stop reading ‘articles’ written by uninformed opinionated people . . . you’re only giving them what they want, when you get upset. That is often their true goal.
Cara´s last blog ..The joys of an inclusive park day

# 20 February 2010 at 6:40 pm

Jennifer Wagaman said:

It is interesting how many different ideas there are on educating children. I think the bottom line is that every parent needs to make the best decision for their individual family. The people I choose not to listen to are those who have nothing to say but criticisms.
Jennifer Wagaman´s last blog ..Learn how Diamonds are Made

# 21 February 2010 at 4:53 am

Pebblekeeper~Angie said:

I find myself learning more from those with a different viewpoint. I mean, after all, I already know everything about mine. I find myself gathering circles of friends with a variety of views. It enriches mine. I am a big enough girl to keep my own truth, know my own self, and still rally around those who do not think/act/speak the same as myself. We have learned so much from people who others discard. For us, we will continue to listen.