“Public education does not serve a public. It creates a public. And in creating the right kind of public, the schools contribute toward strengthening the spiritual basis of the American Creed. That is how Jefferson understood it, how Horace Mann understood it, how John Dewey understood it, and in fact, there is no other way to understand it. The question is not, Does or doesn't public schooling create a public? The question is, What kind of public does it create? A conglomerate of self-indulgent consumers? Angry, soulless, directionless masses? Indifferent, confused citizens? Or a public imbued with confidence, a sense of purpose, a respect for learning, and tolerance? The answer to this question has nothing whatever to do with computers, with testing, with teacher accountability, with class size, and with the other details of managing schools. The right answer depends on two things, and two things alone: the existence of shared narratives and the capacity of such narratives to provide an inspired reason for schooling.”
― The End of Education: Redefining the Value of School
― The End of Education: Redefining the Value of School
“If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.
Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.”
―
Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.”
―
“You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”
― Bird by Bird
― Bird by Bird
“I want to think again of dangerous and noble things.
I want to be light and frolicsome.
I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,
as though I had wings.”
― Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays
I want to be light and frolicsome.
I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,
as though I had wings.”
― Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays
Bound Together
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This is a group for women only! No group collectors! We expect participation! Before you apply for membership in Bound Together please check to see ...more
2015 Reading Challenge [Closed]
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— last activity Apr 16, 2023 10:38AM
Our challenge is based of the Popsugar's Reading Challenge for 2015. Each week, the members read the book of their choice in the right category. This ...more
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
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*** IMPORTANT NOTE: There is never any fee charged to participate in this challenge or in this group. If you received a note asking for money, that is ...more
Classics for Beginners
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People who are new to classic books can discuss which books to read and what they think of books they have already read. People who are experienced wi ...more
Our Shared Shelf
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OUR SHARED SHELF IS CURRENTLY DORMANT AND NOT MANAGED BY EMMA AND HER TEAM. Dear Readers, As part of my work with UN Women, I have started reading ...more
Lisa’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Lisa’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
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