Hi Graham,

Thank you for your response. I was equally surprised at the methodologies used in the public education system, under the heading SEL or Social Emotional learning. While I am impressed with Skinners works, it gives me pause when I see these methods used to “train” humans. In the public school system, rewards and punishments still seem to be the golden standard. Children and still sent to the hallway, sent to the corner, and, in some cases, secluded when their behavior is unsatisfactory. As they age, suspension and detention is still used. Rewards are also used. And while rewards are an undeniable fact of living in a capitalist society, quite honestly, young children need not be trained to work for a monetary reward. Most children have a drive to learn. A young mind is already rich with questions and a desire to seek answers. Post it I’ve attention is usually sufficient to keep the fire burning. I’ve only had exposure to the US public education system, so I can’t speak for how other countries gain cooperation and instill principles of values and character. I have friends in many other countries, and your inquiry has inspired me to reach out and attempt to gain some insights from my international colleagues.

I encountered Emerson for the first time in a public high school honors class. I was entranced by his writings. Thinking of how US education is low structured, I’m not certain that Emerson is still taught in today’s classes. He was a Doctor of Divinity. His writings may not be considered appropriate in the current system. Another question to research…Thank you.

Emerson believed that education should not be focused on religion and drills, but rather ignite curiosities and natural learning. He believed that repetition and drill produced like-minded learners, and as such, denies the learners ability to access their flow and their genius.

Thank you again Graham. Take gentle care.