Stefan MolyneuxVerified account

Specifically Tolkien here

Shakespeare is beyond relevant. You dont have to like his every word, but just look up all the words, phrases, and storylines we have that originate from his work. Lion King is Hamlet.

I note as well the assumption that students should not study anything they "do not want to." Apparently, education must be restricted to what teens already relish. No growth there.

“The best thing for being sad," replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, "is to learn something. That's the only thing that never fails. " (The Once and Future King, TH White)

It’s not the material that bores them, it’s the lack of context and application that makes or appear irrelevant. Bad teachers deter students from feeling inspired about the great work their ancestors passed down to them.

When I was in school back in the late 60's early 70's we went through Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'West Side Story' to study how they were alike. Do they no longer do that in school these days?

Pretty astounding when everything they provide for teens is sordid and depressing.

you finally said something smart.

Yes but just think of the possibilites if you'd been taught to DJ instead

The rules and regulations handout at the local jail then?

Same here. The worst period for me was when I stopped reading literature and read (spiritual) self-help books instead at the advise of people I later realised were miserable AF. Got so confused and insecure. Even well written fantasy/sci-fi is preferable to most of that bunk.

Which students and which stories? One-size-fits-all is a big problem. And treating boys and girls as though they are the same is a big mistake, IMO. I read Treasure Island in my thirties. Great story. I felt a terrible pain, though, realizing it had been kept from me as a boy.

Pretty sure "knowledge" is relevant to life.

How could anybody find Shakespeare dull? It's like a sixteenth century Jerry Springer.