Individuality

Vision is the art of seeing the invisible. - Jonathan Swift

One of the unique features of our Canadian society and culture is the level and degree of Individuality that has evolved in us socially. This trait is not immediately obvious to those who have only lived within the confines of Western culture in Canada.

I was enabled to recognize this outstanding characteristic in Canadians after
spending almost a year in China where by doctrine and tradition people are much
more regimented, alike, predictable. Whereas in Canada each person is unique,
quirky, individualistic. Each of us is a Towering Individual by Chinese social and
cultural standards.

Individualism can have its challenges and negative expressions, but it is a big
part of who we are. I expect that ways can be discovered, invented and
implemented to respect this important aspect of our culture, which is more
evolved in almost every important aspect of human life than in many societies
and cultures. Again this is due to The Universal Culture which has its axis in
Canada.

So the problem and the challenge is to systematize, organize and even
institutionalize our deeply rooted Individuality. Democracy in general seeks to
accomplish this, so democratic methods are the most likely to bring the desired
and desirable results.

Whether by Chance or Design we are each and everyone unique, from birth to
death. Our culture, politics, society and values respect this truth and reality. Our
schools can and should respect and accommodate and reflect our differences.
Ultimately the differences fit together to create a whole society. Canada still
faces challenges in the area of reconciling differences, but the prospects are
good and hopeful.

An education culture that respects and accepts this will be better suited to the needs and necessities of The Twenty-first Century. Canada was created by people of Vision, courage, diligence, creativity: Individuals. Our people have been nurtured in the bosom of a challenging wilderness amidst hostile climatic conditions and the violent swirls of history. Yet we have sought and found impossible solutions to each demand we have faced.

The Future is upon us and we are busily pulling up our bootstraps for the present challenges. We are no longer impeded by forests and great lakes and rivers and glaciers and prairies and mountain ranges and the sea. Our present impediments and mortal enemies are ecological, environmental, ethical, health related, political, scientific, issues of sustainability, technological, social, economic, doctrinal, Global. We require healthy, strong, educated, creative individuals capable of caring and sharing. Education can give us this if we reach for it carefully, intentionally and with resolve.

Excerpt from Our Most Precious Treasures: The Rights Of Children

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