If you’ve known me, even for a short time, you will have more than likely heard me refer to ‘The Human Condition’. I frequently use this expression in a variety of contexts as a way of explaining the challenges, triumphs and limitations each of us face as human beings. Being human in such a complex modern world means that we will continually meet challenges and our personal limitations, hopefully whilst at times also enjoying some of the triumphs of life.
Modern technology is a quest for perfection, to create machines that can function perfectly consistently, but this is not always the case. We all know the frustration when suddenly our car or computer doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to do. This same striving for perfection is also present in us; to be the ‘perfect’ parent, teacher, coach, leader, son, daughter, citizen or friend, we know that nobody is, or can be, ‘perfect’, consequently we are bound to fall short. We are all individuals and imperfect beings, that’s what makes life all the more interesting.
Society places its interpretations, expectations and demands for ‘perfection’ upon us; the labels to wear, the best football boots or tennis racket to buy, in colleges it’s the curriculum to teach and the standardised tests to gauge the abilities of a student, we can quickly be swept up by other people’s beliefs. As a teacher I work hard to recognise an individual student’s gccsc as well as their areas of challenge. I don’t believe that my task is to make my students conform to any particular norm. My task is to guide and support each and every student in my care to strive to attain their potential and hopefully to maintain this striving throughout their whole life. Not to be perfect, just to be their best self.
What would the world look like if we were all the same, all ‘perfect’? What would creative thinking, cooperation and collaboration look like? And what of spontaneity and unpredictability from where is born creativity?
The World Football Cup has begun! I’ve attached the link to a short clip of how the world, in this case the football world, might look if we were all the same, all perfect. I hope you enjoy it.
Kind regards,
Rodney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy1rumvo9xc
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