Teacher's Day - Confucius

September 28 is a Confucian Holiday celebrating the birth of Confucius. It is also celebrated as Teachers' Day. While many confuse Confucius ism with a religion, it is actually more of a philosophy. Confucius was not a priest or a deity, he was a teacher.

Confucius was born around 551 BC in the small state of Lu. He was born into an aristocratic family, although there is debate as to whether he had any money or not. During his life he served many influential people and his teachings became not only fundamental to Confucian philosophy, but to the general Chinese philosophy.

The 6th century BC China was a bad time politically and socially in China. Leaders had lost their way.  There was a greater emphasis on the people serving the leader instead of being there to support the people and grow a strong community.   Ethics and integrity meant little to the leaders of the time. Confucius was disgusted by this development. At the time, he was a widely unknown teacher. He attempted to revive society by re-introducing the great moral teachings of the past.

At the cornerstone of his teachings was the belief that ethical considerations should be the guiding principle of government. He did not accept the idea of a strict legal system. He believed the primary task of a ruler was to promote the welfare and happiness of the people. The ruler should be a role model, his behavior should be better than everyone else. The leader’s strong ethical behaviors would influence the people's behaviors. Customs and voluntary adherence would be the best way to achieve and maintain an orderly society. Furthermore, he believed leadership should be given to the educated, not the noble. 

Confucius never wrote many of the quotations we see today. After his death, many of his disciples gathered and compiled his teachings. Here are a few quotations:

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."

"Forget injuries, never forget kindness."

"He who will not economize will have to agonize."

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."

"Respect yourself and others will respect you."

Throughout history, we have seen many teachers influence the world. Jesus, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Buddha, and Confucius have significantly changed the world and redefined the way many of us view right from wrong.

Who are the teachers in your life that have influenced you the most? What qualities do they have that make them an effective and influential teacher? If possible, please provide a couple of your favorite sayings learned from your teachers.

Scotland's Vote for Independence

On September 18, 2014 the citizens of Scotland age 16 and above will be heading to the polls to vote on whether or not they will remain part of the United Kingdom or become an independent nation.  The implications from this vote can have long term and far reaching impacts on Scotland, the United Kingdom and Europe.

This vote, some would say, has been in the making for about 300 years.  This is the length of time Scotland has been part of the United Kingdom along with England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.  Over the past three hundred years, these countries have become dependent on one another economically and militarily.  But many feel the relationship has run its course and it is time for a change. 

 

If Scotland chooses to become independent, the work and questions would increase.  There would be many decisions and issues to resolve including what would be their currency, what to do with the United Kingdom’s national debt, and how Scotland will go about establishing a national defense.  Additionally, a “yes” vote could be the inspiration to many other groups to politically fight for their sovereignty, such as the Basque and the French Canadians. 

Recent polls are predicting the vote to be extremely close.  The approximately 6% of undecided voter will be the deciding factor in the election.  What the poll indicates is there are just about as many people in Scotland who would like to remain a part of the United Kingdom as those who would like to be independent.  The opinions of the people have much to do with the age of the voters, where in Scotland they live, their education, and careers.  It has been a long a contentious debate. 

What do you think about this vote for Scotland’s independence?  If you were voting, which way would you vote and why?  What are your thoughts about 16 year olds voting? Do you think the United States should consider lowering the voting age?  Why?  

September 11, 2014

Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the attacks on the United States in New York and Washington, D.C.  While truly tragic, it was also a day which demonstrated the incredible will and strength of the human spirit.  There were as many stories of heroism as there was destruction.  We witnessed countless acts of bravery and selflessness.  And these are only the stories we know.  Many of the incredible stories forever died with the victims.

The following is a brief timeline of the day’s events.

At 8:45 am, the first plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  The crash instantly killed hundreds of innocent people and trapped hundreds more above the 110^th floor.  While emergency crews sprang into action, a mere 18 minutes later, a second plane crashed into the South Tower.  It was evident to all, this was not a coincidence, the United States was under attack. 

At 9:45 am, a third plane crashed into the Pentagon.  The jet fuel caused a devastating fire causing a small structural collapse. 

15 minutes after the Pentagon crash, the South Tower collapsed.  It was less than one hour from the time the plane crashed into the building to when it fell to the ground.

 At 10:10, the country became aware of a fourth plane wreck.  United Flight 93 had left the Newark airport late.  40 minutes after departure, terrorists took control of the plane.  The passengers on the plane, aware of the events of New York and Washington, decided to take action.  They overtook the terrorist and in the process crashed the plane into a Pennsylvanian field.  All aboard were killed instantly.

At 10:30, the inevitable occurred.  The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.  While the nation watched in awe, the brave firefighters, police officers and other city officials continued to respond to their call to duty.  Due to the devastation created when the Twin Towers collapsed, four other building would fall to the ground during the day. 

 

As the day concluded we began to hear the devastating carnage from the day.  In New York City approximately 3,000 people were killed, including 343 firefighter and paramedics, 23 police officers and 37 Port Authority officers.  In Washington, DC, 125 military personnel and civilians were killed at the Pentagon in addition to the 64 people on board the flight.  An additional 45 people were killed in the Pennsylvanian field from Flight 93.

Since this day, the world has changed dramatically.  For example, we have increased security at airports and ball games.  We are much more aware of extremist groups and their acts of terror.  Likewise, we have built a new building at the site and commissioned a museum so that we never forget what happened. 

Do you think the world is safer or more dangerous since September 11^th?  Why?  If you could lead the nations of the world, what would be your plan to achieve world peace?  Details please…..