by Chris Van Dyke
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Well Flossie, we sit here about to enter into a deep philosophical discussion over what would make the perfect city, because Professor Rosenburg gave us this assignment. We must do a good job, because it will most likely affect our grade. By Zeus, Chris you are right. First, since we are modeling this paper after Plato's writing, I believe we should first turn our attention to the issue of education. Or do you see a concept which would be of more importance to our city? No Chris. Education is where we should begin. Now Plato was correct when he said that all education begins with censorship. We cannot allow the youngest of children to be presented with evil examples. After all, we want them to grow up with good examples of how to behave. However, I don't believe we should lie to them by changing the truth. You are a genius Chris. Such a bad example would not be good at all. I know, that's why I said it. On the same note, I also feel that such censorship should only last for as long as it takes the child to develop a sense of right and wrong. Once we have instilled the proper value system in them, we can then allow them to choose to do what they wish. But wouldn't they turn to evil then Chris? Flossie, you are stupid. I am the philosopher: you are merely the yes man. Once a child has learned what comprises good and bad, they will know to choose good, and should then be allowed the choice. Expressly forbidding an evil only makes it more tempting. Have you not noticed that if a child is told he cannot watch a certain movie, that is the only movie he will wish to watch? Holy flying box offices Chris, you are right. I have observed that behavior. So our education is to begin with teaching them of good, and gradually expand to encompass all of the world. It would seem to be a good plan. However, now we must turn our attention to what we should teach our children. And beyond that, the general populace. Ones life should be spent acquiring knowledge, and never should reach a point where you stop learning. I feel that we should teach all children tools of basic survival: all people should be able to be self sufficient. I don't understand. Let me explain it to you. Perhaps this illustration would help: a man is sitting on the back of a slow tortoise. He wants to reach a town five-hundred miles away, but he is to lazy to move. So before the tortoise reaches the town, he dies of starvation. In the meantime, another man hops in an airplane and flies to the town, but is bitten by a small dog. Chris, I might be just a stupid sheep, but I do not follow your parable. Never mind. Let me try to explain it another way. When people become reliant on each other, they become greedy, argumentative, and unhappy. They resent the fact that they depend on others for their well being. Chris, you are right! I want to have your children. Not now. So we have decided that our citizens will learn to be self sufficient. What skills do you think they will need to do this? How to do cartwheels? I see I've lost you again. Our townsfolk should learn baking, gardening, basic woodwork, sewing, etc. The skills one needs to survive on ones own. However, they will not need to be self sufficient. After they have decided what interests them, they will specialize in that field. In this way our town will benefit from specialized workers, yet none will rely on one another if something goes wrong. They will have confidence in themselves. Do you see? What? I was so wrapped up in the sound of your beautiful voice that I couldn't concentrate. This is why I am the one typing the paper, and you are the sheep. Now some people would want to learn how to kill other people. Would this skill lead to peace and harmony in our city. Definitely not. Then this is a skill we will definitely not teach in our city. Clearly. Your arguments are perfect and flawless. Then what shall we teach, besides survival? Only living on the survival level does not lead to contentment, even if one is self-sufficient. Quite right. What is it that makes people happy? Besides simple survival, what is it that people crave? Pizza? Well, although that is a dumb answer, you have touched upon the correct response, even thought in your moronic innocence it was purely by chance. People need luxuries. Music, dance, sport, relaxation, fine food. . . Pizza! . . .pizza, if you want, nice houses, fine clothing. The list goes on. So those who specialize in one field will provide the luxuries. Or should it be otherwise? No, no, this is right. Also, all people should learn one of the arts. Not only for their own personal pleasure, but if we wish to have a happy, and there for productive, city, our town must be spiritually rich. However, since we said that education begins with censorship, does it not follow that art should begin likewise? Yes, by Jove! Ban all those paintings where you can't tell what it is supposed to be! No, no no no no no. No! I tricked you by proposing a bad suggestion. We won't need to censor the art. If our town turns out the way it should, with its people being raised with the knowledge of good, they will not glorify evil art. Just as they felt free because they are self sufficient in work, they must be self sufficient in art: we cannot be looking over their shoulders and feeding them idea. Do you agree? You are right once again Chris. I am sorry I ever doubted you. Allow me to lick your boots and make it better. Stop that you idiot! Our conversation is over, because I have to go to dinner. Be gone. |
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