Humankind Advancing, Vol.9, No.1 January 1998
THOUGHT IN ACTION
World Action for Wisdom Education:
A Project Proposal for Educational Transformation on the Planet
by Reverend Rita M. Johnson
The project proposed by Reverend Johnson aims to unite educators worldwide --
not regarding their philosophies, curricula, or methods, but regarding their
principles. A simple, positive word, "Wisdom," best describes the
unifying tenet. Central to this kind of education is the spiritual nature of
human beings, but it must be enshrined in a thorough understanding of the
interrelatedness of all life and its evolution from cosmic energy (which,
condensed, appears as matter).
Relevant to the present issue's theme is a quotation from a letter Dr. Muller
(UN) inserted into the proposal. This letter, written to him by the editor of Humankind
Advancing, discusses Nobel Laureate de Duve's book Vital Dust - Life as
Cosmic Imperative.
"This book shows with infinite attention to detail how chance activity
produces a specific trajectory guiding the evolutionary process, leading to ever
more complex organisms. De Duve continues that, as a result, the evolution of
brains and minds, thoughts and values (on any plant suitable for life) is nearly
inevitable, and that further advance of evolution cannot occur unless increasing
wisdom accompanies expanding intelligence. (Wisdom is not the same as
intelligence, but involves love and cooperation.) Thus, the very nature of
evolution embodies the quest for values. Unless we can find and adopt the right
values, degradation and extinction will be our fate. Evolution, however, will go
on, trying and discarding, trying and discarding, until -- perhaps in millions
of years -- a more capable civilization will arise. Only a few exceptional
persons in each generation are able to perceive this interdependence of
evolution and values; the fate of all others depends upon their impact."
Activities underway: In the planning stages is a "World Action for
Wisdom Education" Conference, to be held from July 8 - 12, 1998 in Costa
Rica, which aims to synthesize the best methods of wisdom education available --
including the Four Harmonies of Dr. Muller's World Core Curriculum, as well as
Waldorf and Montessori strategies, to generate global thinking, stimulate the
imagination, and produce a habit of orderly thinking and self-discipline. -- But
the scope of the Conference is much broader, involving media support, recruiting
capable advisors, etc.
For further information, please contact: Rita Johnson, World Action for Wisdom
Education, SJO-401, P.O.Box 025216, Miami, Fl 33102-5216, U.S.A. -- or: Apartado
13262-1250, Escazu, Costa Rica.
Fax/phone 506-228-1466 (Costa Rica) e-mail:wwprayer@sol.racsa.co.cr
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