"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Why Is This Girl Smiling?; or, Something's in the Mailbox


http://www.flickr.com/photos/stereoblog/484684974/in/set-72157600178676617/
(Thanks, Bibi, for the reference!)

Dear reader, a package did arrive in my mailbox today, via what magical means, I am uncertain. (See the Tin Man? He's puzzling out the logistics of it all. That's why he's the brains of the outfit.)

Dear Generous Person, many thanks: you have gone above and beyond, and then some! I do sincerely thank you.

PS--How did you know Little Guy has been trying to juggle the little green apples from our backyard tree?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mystery gifts are so exciting!

neroli said...

Yesh!