In response to my last post, “Dracunculus” discussed the process of decision-making between the chess master and the computer program and asked, “We are always making choices which, like the chess master, involve a conscious decision and also some sort of unconscious pre-selection. Clearly we are unable to use the chess program method of brute force consideration of all options in our search for MOGO. How do we, if we can, “program” our pre-selection filter so that our daily decisions are easier? Is it automatically shaped by what we are exposed to? Is this in part what IHE’s mission is?”

These are great questions. Below is IHE’s mission (see our website: www.HumaneEducation.org):

“The Institute for Humane Education (IHE) envisions a world in which people live humanely, sustainably, and peaceably. To create this change, IHE trains people to be humane educators, advances the field of humane education, and provides tools and inspiration for living an examined, meaningful life.”

If people are exposed to humane education, that is, if we learn about the challenges of our time, become critical and creative thinkers, and are inspired to feel reverence, respect, and responsibility for ourselves and others throughout our lives and through various means (traditional schooling, parenting, culture, media, business, the arts, politics), then we become like the chess master. By cultivating our compassion, integrity, wisdom, and generosity, we begin to make more humane, sustainable, and peaceful choices both consciously and unconsciously. Thus we “program” ourselves to choose wisely and kindly. Then, when we consciously expose ourselves to information that challenges and teaches us, we invite ourselves to make even more positive decisions. Thus we also “program” ourselves to pursue lifelong education, furthering our pre-selection filter so that our choices become, if not easier, at least more masterful, like the chess master.

MOGO can never be like a chess program, and the analogy to the chess master who practices his/her art and continues to perfect it, is wonderful.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Chess Master, education, humane education, Lifelong education, Peaceful living, Sustainability