Here is another terrific post from Carman. Carman’s discussion of a child’s natural propensity to learn and grow is a good reminder that we are all naturally creative and open learners. Sometimes to move forward, we need to unlearn some of the things we learned in the past…
Hi Lisa,
Your previous posting “We never know the impact we have on the lives of others” started me thinking about the child—as person, symbol and ideal. While walking Robson Street yesterday I noticed a little girl holding her mother’s hand and singing as she walked. So beautiful! I thereupon wondered at what point adults cease to sing.
The references to the child in academic and sacred writings are astounding aren’t they? Only today I watched a co-worker’s PowerPoint presentation containing the expression, “If my heart can become pure and simple like that of a child, I think there can probably be no greater happiness than this.”
That aphorism reminded me of an example in the Christian Scriptures:
Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (NKJV)
It’s interesting that grown men (teachers in training) were told that passing their final examination would hinge upon their becoming like “little children.” I suspect their Rabbi meant that they should be humble, modest and emphasize equality rather than “greatness” or superiority. But the example may also suggest eagerness to learn and receptivity to new ideas.
I believe young children may be the ideal of a better workplace and world in general. Page 3 of the Fifth Discipline says, “From a very early age, we are taught to break apart problems, to fragment the world…We can no longer see the consequences of our actions; we lose our intrinsic sense of connection to a larger whole.”
The next page says: “Learning organizations are possible because deep down, we are all learners. No one has to teach an infant to learn. In fact, no one has to teach infants anything. They are intrinsically inquisitive, masterful learners who learn to walk, speak, and pretty much run their households all on their own.”
In terms of Personal Mastery, I believe children are naturally creative (versus competitive and dominant). They have no mental models (“deeply held internal images of how the world works”). And who are more “dialogic” than children? (Team Learning)
I love the way W. Edwards Deming says, “People are born with intrinsic motivation, self-esteem, dignity, curiosity to learn, joy in learning. The forces of destruction begin with the toddlers—a prize for the best Halloween costume, grades in school, gold stars—and on up through the university.”
Lisa, I am wondering how “Participation” views the child?
Bye for now!
Carman
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