Children's author Gloria Whelan wrote that "the
thorns of the most
severe virtue are charming when they are conveniently twisted with the
flowers of pleasure." This union of teaching and delighting (as
Sir Philip Sidney described poesy) is a natural blend employed by
educators, entertainers, parents, pastors, prophets, and even the Good
Lord Himself. It is a wise tactic, for a dull didactic discourse unredeemed
by a delightful design will not long detain the deference of its
audience; likewise, a sensational or exotic story sans sincere cerebral substance
will seldom satisfy the sense and soul of its recipients. Unfortunately, we do not always remember to maintain an
appropriate balance betwixt the twain; I blame a lack of delight (and understandability) in mathematics instruction for my (former?) dislike of
the subject, and I scorn entertainment lacking cleverness or meaningfulness. Thus, let us recall this little lesson when called to lecture or delight.
Note: I added the alliteration for your sake, Joel. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment