In his famous intellectual and spiritual autobiography, Orthodoxy, G.K. Chesterton remarks that the main problem for philosophers is how they can “contrive to be at once astonished at the world and yet at home in it.” The attainment of this double need--for surprise and for security--is, he maintains, at the heart of human happiness.
Modernity poses similar questions to educators who, though at home in classical and medieval thought, nevertheless desire to prepare their students to live in the middle of the world. Namely:
To help us begin to answer these questions, we welcome to HeightsCast Dr. Daniel Bernardus, a theoretical biologist by training, teacher and tutor at Amsterdam University College by profession, and a philosopher and author by passion. In this episode, Dr. Bernardus introduces us to the ideas of Leonardo Polo, a Spanish philosopher from the University of Navarre, whose work just might offer us a way forward.
Can we integrate the modern, the classical, and the Christian? Can we love the modern world and God first? Listen in and see for yourself.
Show Highlights
Suggested Reading
Resources
Missed Part I? Click here.
Continuing last week’s conversation, in this episode Dr. Newport delves into two things that have become ubiquitous in our lives: texting and email. Whether it is logistical texts with our kids or emails for work, these two technologies can occupy a large portion of our days. Indeed, even a quick text or email can cost us time, as we shift our attention between different contexts.
While texting and email may by now feel like second nature, have we ever stopped to think about how best to use these technologies?
In addition to tackling these topics, Cal runs through three practices to help us better spend that treasure which is our time:
To close, Cal offers some words of wisdom to our graduating seniors, as they head off to college. If they can learn to use technology well, in an integrated and intentional way, they will be at a tremendous advantage. Their time will double, their focus sharpen, and--what is more--they’ll form meaningful friendships along the way.
Show Highlights
Suggested Reading
Additional Listening
For these next two episodes, we welcome back Dr. Cal Newport, professor of computer science at Georgetown University and New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including Digital Minimalism and A World Without Email.
In this week’s episode, we will focus on the first of these two books, Digital Minimalism, and how to go about developing a deliberate and purposeful approach to our use of technology. And remember, our children are always watching and learning. In next week’s episode, we’ll dive into a specific application of this philosophy to email and texting as well.
But for now, Digital Minimalism. It has been said in other contexts that the choice is not between philosophy and no philosophy, but between good philosophy and bad philosophy; having no philosophy is itself a philosophy, albeit a disastrous one. The same holds true for our philosophy or approach to technology which, although often vital in the modern world, can be dangerous if used mindlessly.
In this episode:
Learn about the history and psychology of smartphones and social media.
Listen to Cal discuss his philosophy of digital minimalism.
Hear about the thirty day “digital declutter” and why you should try it for yourselves--maybe even this July?
Gain some practical wisdom about implementing the philosophy in your homes including Cal's take on when our sons are ready for their first smart phone.
In all, Cal offers us a hopeful view for the future. With the shimmer of novelty beginning to fade, now is the time to think about how to integrate digital technology into our lives and into the lives of our children.
While summer is a time for rest and relaxation, it is also an opportunity for personal growth. Indeed, the increase in external freedom, which the summer months often afford our sons, provides an occasion for growth in interior freedom.
In this week's episode, Mr. Joe Cardenas, head of mentoring at The Heights School, discusses how you can help your son make the most of the summer months. To this end, Mr. Cardenas suggests looking at the summer from two perspectives: the bird's eye view and the daily routine. Looking over the summer as a whole--perhaps with a calendar in hand--we can help our sons set goals and make big-picture plans. But goals without effective systems are mere wishes, so we should also encourage our sons to develop a good daily routine that will help him to realize these goals.
In particular, Mr. Cardenas suggests five areas for routines:
Of course, and as always, encouragement should come in the context of freedom and in an age appropriate manner; we want to help our sons set goals and formulate routines for themselves, not impose our own ideas in an overly rigid manner. One of the great advantages of the summer is, after all, the opportunity for our boys to grow in the use of their freedom.
Stay tuned after the podcast for a few other resources that might be helpful as you plan your summer, including a summer-planning guide PDF now available on The Heights Forum. You don’t need to subscribe to anything to get it, we just want to help.
Also, join us for a follow-up Q&A webinar with Mr. Joe Cardenas and Mr. Bill Dardis (head of the Heights Internship Program). If you have questions about wake-up times, summer jobs, and chores, bring ‘em by and we’ll discuss. To register for the webinar, visit HeightsForum.org.
Show Highlights
-How summer can be a time of great personal growth
-Two perspectives on the summer: the birds eye view and the daily routine
-Ideas on helping your son make use of a calendar
-Why increased freedom during the summer is an opportunity for growth in virtue
-The importance of systems for success, not just goals
-Areas for daily routines: wake-up time, reading plan, life of prayer, physical exercise, service, bed-time
-How should parents discuss goals and routines with their son?
-Three ways to help your son develop a summer routine: know your son, engage his freedom, share your own goals
-Should my son get a job?
-Unstructured free time is just as important for older boys as it is for younger boys
-Why personal growth is ultimately oriented towards the service of others
Suggested Reading
Leisure: The Basis of Culture, Josef Pieper
Additional Listening
Three Components of a Great Lower School Summer
Heights Resources
Planning
Free Printable Summer Planner PDF
Fitness
Reading
Heights Book Review (A review of contemporary literature for boys)