Undivided Kindness – Thoughts #2

Across the Great Divide

“No one wants to suffer the penalties that come from living divided no more. But there can be no greater suffering than living a lifelong lie. As we move closer to the truth that lives within us – aware that in the end what will matter most is knowing that we stayed true to ourselves – institutions start losing their sway over our lives.”

In 1974, Kurt Vonnegut urged graduates at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York to “create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”

Imagine schools prioritizing community over academics. This approach makes sense: students need safety and support to learn effectively. Fear and self-preservation hinder academic progress. Humans are natural learners. Supportive environments, which honor individual uniqueness, foster eager learning, allowing academics to flourish.

Palmer echoes this, emphasizing the need for nurturing communities. If you agree, actively participate in building such communities.

NEXT STEP: Assignment #3