Invitation to the Pain of Learning

Invitation to the Pain of Learning

Mortimer J. Adler

(1941)

In Adler’s view of education, learning is not something one acquires externally like a new suit. It is, in his own words, “an interior transformation of a person’s mind and character, a transformation which can be effected only through his own activity.” It is as painful, but also as exhilarating, as any effort human beings make to make themselves better human beings, physically or mentally. The practices of educators, even if they are well-intentioned, who try to make learning less painful than it is, not only make it less exhilarating, but also weaken the will and minds of those on whom this fraud is perpetrated. The selling and buying of education all wrapped up in pretty packages is what is going on, but, Adler tells us, it is not the real thing. This essay was published in The Journal of Educational Sociology (February1941.)

http://www.cambridgestudycenter.com/artilces/Adler1.htm

Dear Homeschooling moms and others,

This year, we all need to continue to grow in our ability to educate our children based on more information and our own personal pain of learning. As I look back at my older children and what I could have done but was too lazy to work at I can see where I failed. However, with the children that I am able to still impact, I need to have greater effort and am encouraged to work harder for them and their families.

This particular article is very well written by a man named Mortimer Adler in 1941 where he sees the failure of not educating properly and he goes on to explain, we make it so easy for our children and all the does is harm their ability to walk through difficult situations and circumstances as well when they become young adults.

As Christians, we should have the best reputations for educating and not slack off concerning our children’s own education because it is difficult for us and the reality is we may need to grow…..

Let’s make a difference as home educators and be educated ourselves. I challenge each of you to read and study the books available to grow yourself in understanding the value of what God calls us to do with our children in our homes and in our Christian walk. Articles such as “The Lost Tools of Learning” by Dorothy Sayers, books such as “The Excused Absence” by Douglas Wilson, “Reformed Education” by Mortimer Adler, “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer Adler and many others that can be found online, and in used books stores such as The Bookman in Orange.

The excuse using Ecclesiastes 12:12, “And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh,” is over done.

Proverbs 24:3-5 “Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;  By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.  A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;”

I encourage all of you to work hard and be diligent to show yourselves approved….

With love,

Michelle