A discussion about any topic is meaningful only if the participants in the discussion are in agreement regarding some basic premises. Otherwise, we get a normal political discussion - a mess of misunderstanding and anger.
There are a few such assumptions in the base of all the entries in this blog, and it would be good to make them explicit, so if some readers disagree with any of these assumptions, they can just leave this text alone, since it is irrelevant to their beliefs. No hard feelings.
Premises:
1. Learning is important
Learning is important for the genius rocket scientist, brain surgeon or rocket surgeon, to learn the basics of their profession, and then to keep up with the new knowledge being accumulated by their peers and by experts in fields adjacent to theirs. This is what will make it possible for them to make the most of their genius
Learning is important for the mentally retarded. If they can learn to talk well, to read or even to perform a job, this can enable a great improvement in the way they are treated by society and their quality of life
2. Kids' happiness is important
There is a discussion about whether kids’ happiness is paramount, in the context of education. Some say it we should let the kids be kids totally, and let them learn only when and what they want to learn. Some say we shouldn't bow to a child’s every whim.
The "happiness is important" premise doesn't get into this discussion. It just states that part of our responsibility is for the children’s happiness
3. Learning comes naturally
Not only to humans - also to just about any other animal, but that’s beside the point
If the reader feels that these assumptions are true, then the rest of the blog should make some sense.
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