Wil Brander

Recent Activity

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  Wil commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  What China Can Teach Writing Teachers

  I'm currently reading Lin Yutang's "My Country and My People." It's a great book if you want to understand Chinese people better. I'm actually planning my own creative blogging exercises with the categories mentioned. I recommend Lin's, "The Importance of Living" as well. The Chinese mind is under-appreciated especially for people in the West. Check out Lin's translation of the Dao De Jing (Lao Zi) as well with commentary from Zhuang Zi, who's mind will dazzle and inspire anyone. Those who read the above mentioned books in the West will either be confused, seriously irritated and/or will experience a paradigm shift of thought, bursting open new avenues. Be careful though, for the Chinese way of thought is all-encompassing. You may find that you no longer want to celebrate major holidays in the West or even your own birthday. Am I projecting?  

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  Wil commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  Conflicting Interests in Obama's Housing Plan

  Thank you.

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  Wil commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  Open Thread: Bill Gates on TED: Hero or Villain?

  I don't see an issue with a guy who is visible talking about a serious problem no matter what his views on it are. What Bill Gates says is not as important as what he's trying to do. He's trying to effect change which is not an easy thing.
  
  I've been watching these TED talks programs for a few weeks now and I enjoy them. I don't know much about the people that attend or who runs it, but it's a positive thing to have in general. For me, the best they can do is inspire people to do their own work, to lead by example. Hopefully it will generate more forums like this where we are sharing what we are doing "for the world." Things like this are seeds for major change.
  
  I enjoyed the recent talk by Barry Schwartz. Good stuff.

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  Wil commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  Sudbury Schools: Rethinking Education, for a Change

  It's cold, but once you're here ... you're here? Something like that.
  
  I wasn't knocking the benefits that Chinese philosophy has on society, just merely emphasizing my appreciation of a dynamic environment for learning. You know. This semester I'm actually going more Confucian on them with some dynamic elements peppered in there for flavaaa. 
  
  The "West" could learn alot from China, no doubt. I am. 
  
  I'll check out that doc. Thanks. 

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  Wil commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  Sudbury Schools: Rethinking Education, for a Change

  To me, nothing is better to convince others than example. I'm truly excited about this concept actually being implemented, and I think in time the skeptics will be able to see the difference.
  
  I really enjoyed listening to the young brother on the video talk about how he's adjusting himself to himself. He really hit it on the head and it's inspiring.
  
  I'm currently teaching English in China. Maybe some of you know or have heard about the conformity I'm experiencing right now. If not, more so than Americans, Chinese are under pressure from parents to do well or what they're told in schools. I'm left with the effect of that in every class where students are just not interested. It's all just a misappropriation of energy which turns into resentment and/or apathy.
  
  As you may have noticed by my excitability and broad comments, I'm new to the site and the cause. I look forward to learning more.
  
  Thank you.