Education and Personal Awareness

The world is constantly shouting the word "education" as a solution to our problems. Unfortunately, the word "education" is used a great deal like the man on the street used the word "communication"; consequently the word "education" is not being used to expand our awareness, but rather to confine our attention to a given area of activity. Therefore, when we bear the word "education" we do not think of an ideal or an abstract concept, we think about a definite location or a prescribed formula. Further, we do not think of ourselves as being the source of that education. We are more inclined to believe that an education comes from somewhere out there, but rarely do we think that an education starts at home—right here within ourselves. In my mind, this all points to a basic flaw in our mental equation. Somewhere along the line we have left ourselves out of the process.

I suppose this outer view of ourselves began in our childhood, then slowly our consciousness begins to expand inward as well as outward. This is when we begin to experience our first conflicts about the way things are. It would appear that some people do not like this inner controversy within themselves. They would rather have the peace and harmony they experienced as a child when everything was well ordered and came from the outside. This was certainly true in my case. I can still remember when my consciousness grew to the point of self awareness. I didn't like it, especially when I was around other people. When I was alone, being aware of my emotions and feelings wasn't so bad, but when I was in the face of others, there were times when I could hardly stand my own embarrassment. Of course, this is all part of growing up. But, there are many areas of our lives where we never grew up—or at least so it would appear.

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My Earliest Days

Recollections of WWII

Music Touches Me for the First Time

The Grand Island Experience

Individual and Collective Error

Pain - Notes