Surviving the Modern Jungle

In my opinion, "rules" (at least within this quote) are the limitations put upon one by either themselves or others, and end up causing a narrowed view of the world, and a lessened range of thought. Mr. Edison was an innovator, and many of his ideas were considered preposterous at the time. Looking back, we call him a genius, but, then, he was considered a madman.

Ingenuity is often looked upon as an insanity because it does not fall within the temporal mindset.

A study in Sweden on Insanity and Genius

"The distinction between psychological illness and creative thinking is wafer thin, new Swedish research confirms, arguing that there is a feasible explanation for why the age-old myth of genius bordering on insanity could in fact be true. "

This leaves me pondering how the far future will regard the mindset of the present.

In my opinion, most people are given "strategies" and "formulas" for how to solve problems.

For instance, in mathematics, teachers demanded we complete equations in the manner they specified. In Grammar & Literature, teachers gave us a "template" to follow for essays. Other classes had specified ways of taking notes. Science is taught with the Scientific Formula. etcetc

Because of this, I am of the opinion our thought process, and ergo our ability to contemplate openly, is narrowed from the time we hit school, due to the constant drumming of "this is how you do this". Also, a debate I've had with my Pagan friends, our "reality" is narrowed from a child as we are told what is and is not "real". Our focus determines our reality. Our viewpoint determines our focus.

While these may be the best methods for teaching students the information that is needed, is it the best method for teaching people to THINK?

And yes, before the question is asked, I was one of those students that loved to annoy my teachers by finding other viable methods to do the aforementioned projects/etc. I also took my notes in shorthand and doodles, with lines connecting ideas. While perfectly understandable to me... well, let's say the teachers disagreed. And those were the "gifted" and "advanced" teachers who supposedly had gone through the training to deal with such situations.