A Life Worth Living

This video and the quote below blew me away:

“It is absolutely stupid to spend your time doing things you don’t like, in order to go on doing things you don’t like and to teach your children to follow in the same track…What we are doing, is bringing up children and educating them to live the same sort of lives we’re living, in order they may justify themselves and find satisfaction in life, by bringing up their children, to bring up their children to do the same thing so it’s all wretch and no vomit; it never gets there…so therefore it’s so important to consider this question; what do I desire?” Alan Watts

The quote above is amazing, and the video below of the actual speech definitely will make you think of your own life.

All I know is, when I have found something that I was passionate about and was able to make a living from it, I wanted those around me to have those things as well.  Don’t get me wrong…it comes with a lot of hard work.  But, you are more likely to believe that it is possible for others to make a living doing what they love, if you are in the place where you do that yourself.

Whether you agree or disagree with the video below, I have a couple of thoughts/questions:

  1. Why would it be bad to believe that you can make a living following your passion?  Many push back at this notion, while often talk about how schools need to change to meet the needs of our world.  If students walked away from schools being happy in their lives and caring of others, would that not be a sign of a success?
  2. The video below should be watched and discussed with students, while also helping them examine what it would take to get to a place where you could successfully follow their passions.  This, to me, is a great video to spark deep and meaningful conversation.

Seriously, watch the video below:

  • colleenkr

    I can't wait to share this with my student teachers. This is beautiful, and such a boost for any teacher who loves doing what they do every day. Thanks for sharing, George.

  • Gail Martindale

    This video is perfect for the Inquiry Classes that are happening at the middle school where I teach. The students are trying to answer this question for themselves, in an effort to guide their own self-directed project on any topic of their choice. Thanks soooo much for sharing this video, I loved both the message and the beautiful video shots.

  • Sheena H.

    Thanks George for insisting that people see that video. I have the privelege of being able to do what I love and demonstrating to my students and my own children that doing what you love is what is most important.

  • Patricia Griffin

    This is really powerful. It can help point point put to students, teachers and parents that education should be the vehicle for all learners to discover their passions, talents and interests.

  • http://travelingwithclaire.com Claire

    Really enjoyed watching this – I find many of your posts/tweets inspiring – thank you for sharing.

  • Graham Gallasch

    Great video. Where do you find these clips? I always look forward to reading your latest post.

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