Education and Perspective

Through the years, I've noticed that the subjects I studied have had a marked impact on the way I look at the world. I believe this is true for most of us. A fine artist looks at a scene, a face and sees a drawing, painting, or sculpture. A financial analyst reads a newspaper article and sees market trends. An architecht walks through a building and notices use of space, light, and functionality. I read, think, discuss, and notice people's development as human beings.

Did I choose the course of study I did because it was synchronistic with my nature or was my nature molded by the information to which I was exposed? What about others?

I often say that being an educator isn't something I do but who I am. My gut tells me that since childhood I've had a fascination with the "big" questions of life, including human nature and behavior. I believe there's an authenticity to my "work," which gives my life meaning and I'm glad of that.

How true, I wonder, is that for most of us? How many of our perspectives--those derived from our education--are a reflection of our true selves and how many have been artificially implanted in us through an education obtained by what Mom and Dad expected, by accident, by choices that are no longer valid? And what does that say about our ability to thrive and manifest the best of ourselves?