You Have The Choice Of Watching Either Of The Following Two

You Have The Choice Of Watching Either Of The Following Two Lectures

You have the choice of watching either of the following two lectures, depending on which subject interests you the most. Pretend you are sitting in your first lecture at University:

1. Wade Davis: The Worldwide Web of Belief and Ritual. Watch the TED talk by Wade Davis, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, and take Cornell style notes, which you will hand into the Dropbox. It offers a fascinating look at what it means to be human, presented by one of my favourite thinkers. Listen with the intention of pondering the essence of humanity.

2. Ken Robinson: Schools Kill Creativity. Watch the TED talk by Sir Ken Robinson, a creativity expert, and take Cornell style notes, which you will hand into the Dropbox. It provides a fascinating look at how our school systems could be rethought and restructured to cultivate creativity instead of suppressing it. Listen with the intention of pondering the role of the education system, and the nature of the mind and creativity.

Paper For Above instruction

Choosing between Wade Davis's and Sir Ken Robinson's TED talks offers a unique opportunity to explore fundamental aspects of human culture, cognition, and societal structure. Both speakers challenge conventional perspectives—Davis examining cultural diversity and spiritual belief systems, Robinson scrutinizing education's impact on creativity—prompting profound reflection on what it means to be human and how society influences individual development.

Wade Davis's talk, "The Worldwide Web of Belief and Ritual," delves into the diversity of human belief systems, rituals, and cultural practices. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the myriad ways humans interpret their existence, asserting that these cultural expressions are integral to understanding human identity. Davis's exploration of the interconnectedness of belief systems worldwide highlights the importance of cultural relativism and the need for respect in an increasingly globalized world. His insights underscore that human beings are cultural creatures whose beliefs shape their identities, communities, and interactions.

On the other hand, Sir Ken Robinson's "Schools Kill Creativity" critiques the current education system, arguing that it stifles innate creativity, which is fundamental to human progress and innovation. Robinson advocates for a reimagining of educational structures to nurture creativity and divergent thinking. He contends that the current focus on standardized testing and rote learning suppresses students' natural talents and inclinations, thereby diminishing their potential to contribute creatively to society. Robinson's arguments highlight that fostering creativity within education can lead to more adaptable, innovative, and fulfilled individuals, ultimately benefitting societal development.

Both talks invoke critical questions about human development. Davis challenges us to consider how cultural diversity enriches our understanding of humanity, urging respect for different belief systems and rituals as part of the human experience. Robinson provokes reflection on whether our education systems are aligned with fostering the creative capacities inherent in every individual, or if they are inadvertently limiting human potential.

Engaging with Davis's and Robinson's perspectives encourages a holistic understanding of the human condition—embracing cultural diversity while nurturing individual creativity. This integrated view can inform how societies cultivate inclusiveness, innovation, and resilience. For students, pondering these themes may inspire a commitment to respecting cultural differences and advocating for educational reforms that nurture creative talent, ultimately contributing to a more adaptable and humane society.

References

• Davis, W. (2009). Wade Davis: The Worldwide Web of Belief and Ritual [Video]. TEDx.
• Robinson, K. (2006). Sir Ken Robinson: Schools Kill Creativity [Video]. TED.
• Sternberg, R. J. (2003). Wisdom, intelligence, and creativity synthesized. Cambridge University Press.
• Illich, I. (1971). Deschooling Society. Harper & Row.
• Nussbaum, M. (2010). Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs The Humanities. Princeton University Press.
• Greene, M. (1995). Releasing the Imagination: Essays on Education, the Arts, and Social Change. Jossey-Bass.
• Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Penguin.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.
• Bruner, J. (1961). The Act of Discovery. Harvard Educational Review, 31(1), 21-32.