On “Unhealthy Assumptions”

An unhealthy assumption is one that doesn’t serve one’s purpose. It is individual, there are billions of philosophies and ways of living and the difficult part is uncovering the best personal philosophy while critically evaluating the philosophical assumptions we absorb as we mature in society.

My focus for raising my sons is on virtuous behavior, loving relationships, and self awareness. These are the foundations I want them to have. Those, along with a modeled love of learning will allow them to be successful in whatever they choose. I don’t assume calculus needs to take years to learn and the chance they will need that knowledge to pursue their passions is very small (I think less than 1% of careers demand it).

I also don’t categorize learning into subjects, but I understand the usefulness of doing so, we are watching a wonderful series of history courses right now.

My deschooling approach boils down to one simple reframing. When I speak or think the phrase, “I need to…,” I change it to “I want to…” I take that “want” and define why it is important to me. If it turns out that the reason I want to do X is because of an outside perception or an old pattern, then I can better direct my energy toward my goals.