I'm getting tired with the factory called academia, and especially its marriage with the myopic rich man called industry. Is there much difference between them anymore? What I'm looking for now is a multidisciplinary place that has only one aim; to civilize people. Maybe someone can help me find one.
I mean no industrial funding, no internships. No syllabi, no compulsory attendance. No tests, no quizzes, no grading, no productivity goals, no PhD fast-tracks, no expiry dates. Definitely no degrees.
I mean experts of different trades coming together to discuss and teach each other. I wish to find and join such place; or if I can't find one, start one.
Practical? No.
Profitable? No.
Élitist? Maybe.
Idealistic? Definitely.
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6 comments:
Let me know to whom you are going to open your academic heaven. And what makes an expert in your opinion...
Do you offer scholarships?
After reading your post, I came across the following quote that seems to nicely underline your post.
"The price one pays for pursuing any profession or calling is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side.
- James Baldwin"
More of romantic ideas Matti!!
economy, money, capitalism, consumism, romantic, idealistic, utopia…
while reading your post I remember a book I read regarding the aborigines in Australia, and the way they saw life and learn and teach life. The respect the have for it, and the way mix themselves with that wisdom. Maybe you could see the same in the Mayas or other ancient culture.
Without being an expert at all on this matter, just for that book and some missionary experiences, I would attempt to say that in the mentalities of those individuals their attitude toward wisdom and knowledge is complete different than ours. But as well toward belongings, nature and life itself. Which means, if I am not mistaken, your desire has nothing to do directly with academia or industry, it is a whole society system in which we are immerse on.
Exit out? No idea. I just can imagine that the first decision towards this direction might start individually, not an easy thing to do at all.
Hi Matti,
I think the root of the problem--why the real academic environment doesn't match the ideal academic environment--is that philosophy bakes no bread.
You're right, philosophy bakes no bread. And I'm sure you don't disagree when I write: Bakers didn't bring us concepts such as democracy, human rights, or universal suffrage. I sincerely hope that flirting with bread-makers (business) doesn't distract university from its mission, which is not to bake bread but to conduct independent research and offer higher education that is free of fads and quarterly surveys.
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