Valentines Day is Over-rated

Valentines Day is Over-rated

By Pauline Wallin, Ph.D. 

The perfect card, the perfect gift, the perfect date . . . Isn't there enough pressure in relationships without having to live up to some romantic ideal on Valentine's Day?

This is not how the celebration of February 14 started out. Its origins stem from fertility festivals of ancient Rome, when young women were not given candy or flowers. They were whipped with strips of animal hide because they believed that this would make them more fertile. A couple of centuries later, Christians celebrated a priest named Valentine, who secretly performed marriage ceremonies for soldiers when the emperor had forbidden it. By the 1400's Valentine's Day was firmly established in England, but the emphasis was on little rituals, such as drawing names out of a bowl, to discover the identity of one's true love.

In recent decades Valentine's Day has become increasingly commercialized. TV and magazine ads depict models with perfect bodies and perfect teeth giving each other chocolates, jewelry and back rubs. The message is: "Your love is measured by what you buy."

Modern relationships are difficult enough without having to stage a major performance on a designated day. Men agonize over the greeting card racks, hoping that they can choose a card that is not too funny, not too mushy. And the gift: "How will she interpret it?" they ponder. "If I buy her chocolates will she think I want her to get fat? If I don't buy her chocolates will she think I assume she is fat?" "Is the gift too extravagant?" "Is it too impersonal?" "Are roses too predictable?"

This is not what love is all about. Love is much more complex than flowers and chocolates. Social psychologists have been studying interpersonal attraction and love for almost four decades, and they still haven't figured it out completely. What is known, however, is that love relationships are multi-dimensional. Sexual attraction, or what some people call "chemistry" is only one ingredient of a love relationship, and not even the most important one.

Distinctions have been made between passionate love and companionate love. Passionate love is an intense longing for the other person. It is accompanied by extreme feelings: ecstasy when things are going well, and despair when things are rocky. Passionate love is also characterized by physical sensations, such as rapid heartbeat and "butterflies" in the stomach.

Companionate love does not have the fire and the heat that passionate love does, but it can more than compensate in the form of closeness, trust and affection. Furthermore it lasts much longer than passionate love, which subsides relatively quickly.

Another way of defining love is in terms of three components: passion, commitment and intimacy. These interact with one another in various combinations, so that no two relationships are alike.

Long-term satisfaction in relationships does not depend on material wealth or success. Nor does it depend on physical attractiveness. A recent study of middle-aged college graduates indicated that good-looking people, on average, were no more satisfied with their marriages or with their lives, than were plainer people.

So what does constitute long-term contentment in relationships? Psychologists have found that a feeling of equity is important. That is, the partners feel they are each getting about as much as they're giving. Not that they keep score, but over the long run things even out. This is similar to just being good friends to one another, supporting one another, laughing at each other's jokes even though you've heard them dozens of times. Another ingredient in long-term relationships is investment. This refers to material possessions, time and emotional investment. The greater the investment, the more likely the couple will stay together.

What does all this have to do with Valentine's Day? If you wish, buy that card or those flowers, but keep in mind that this is not a maker or breaker of a relationship. Better yet, show your partner love and consideration on the other 364 days in the year. It will make a greater impact than doing so according to the calendar.

Источник

37 Life Lessons in 37 Years

Today is my 37th birthday. And, I must say, it's been a pretty interesting ride so far. As I look back over the years and many phases of my Iife, I realize how each stage, success, stumble, triumph and heartache has had a significant impact on where I stand right now. And despite the rough patches, I love it all.

From a shy yet studious little girl, to an artsy and somewhat rebellious teenager, to a happy-go-lucky big-dreaming 20-something with a bit of a wild side, my metamorphosis were plentiful in my early years. Now into my 30s, my heart has grown a few sizes larger and overflows with motherly love as I've discovered what matters most in life. And my entrepreneurial experiences have been a crash course in lessons of life, business and self that, at times, brought me to the brink of what I thought I could handle, only to be rewarded nicely for sticking it out and seeing it through.

As I continue to step more fully into myself each day and bring to light my mission of helping others build their own dreams with joy and ease, I've racked my brain to think of my top 37 life lessons so far. On this day of celebrating another trip around the sun, I share these with you and hope you find inspiration as I have. Enjoy!

Top 37 Life Lessons So Far...

1. Happiness comes from within. We spend way too much of our lives looking for outside validation and approval that eludes us. Turns out, it's been an inside job all along. Go inward.
2. Be grateful for everything. The good, the bad, the ugly. Our entire life is a precious gift. The pleasure, the pain -- it's all part of our path.
3. Subtle shifts in perception will transform your entire life. When feeling fearful, angry, hurt, simply choose to see a situation differently.
4. In being true to yourself, you can't possibly make everybody else happy.Still, it's better to risk being disliked for living your truth than to be loved for what you are pretending to be.
5. The world is our mirror. What we love in others is a reflection of what we love about ourselves. What upsets us about others is a strong indication of what we need to look at more closely within ourselves.
6. Everybody comes into our life for a reason. It is up to us to be open to the lesson they are meant to teach. The more someone rubs us the wrong way, the greater the lesson. Take notes.
7. Trust. In troubled times, just know that the Universe has your back and everything is going to be alright. If you're not there yet, trust in hindsight you will understand. Your higher good is being supported, always.
8. Never take things personally. What others do is a reflection of what's going on in their own life and probably has little or nothing to do with you.
9. A walk in nature cures a lot. Taking in some fresh air and the beautiful landscape of this earth is amazingly head-clearing, grounding, and mood-lifting. Bonus: You can learn a whole lot about life in your observation of the awesomeness which is nature.
10. Hurt people hurt people. Love them anyway. Although, it's totally okay to love them from a distance.
11. You have to feel it to heal it. Bring your fears and weaknesses front and center and shine a blazing spotlight on them because the only way out is through. The hurt of facing the truth is SO worth it in the long run, I swear.
12. Perfectionism is an illusion. A painful one at that. Ease up. Strive for excellence, sure, but allow yourself room to make mistakes and permission to be happy regardless of outcome.
13. Take the blinders off. Don't become so laser-focused on your own goals and desires that you miss out on the beauty in life and the people around you. The world is stunningly beautiful when you walk around with eyes wide open.
14. Celebrate the journey. It's not all about the destination. Savor all of your successes, even the small ones.
15. Forgiveness is not so much about the other person. It's about you and for you so that you can gain the peace and freedom you deserve. Forgive quickly and often.
16. We are all incredibly intuitive. When we learn to become still and listen, we can tap into some pretty amazing primal wisdom. Listen to the quiet whisper of your heart. It knows the way.
17. Let your soul shine! Be authentic. There is nobody else on this earth just like you. Step into your truth wholeheartedly and live and breathe your purpose.
18. We are powerful creators. Seriously, bad-asses. With intention, focus, and persistence -- anything is possible. Know this.
19. I am full of light. You are full of light. We are all full of light. Some cast shadows on their own brightness. Be a beacon of light to others and show them the way.
20. Don't take life too seriously! Nobody gets out alive anyway. Smile. Be goofy. Take chances. Have fun.
21. Surround yourself with people who love and support you. And, love and support them right back! Life is too short for anything less.
22. Learn the delicate dance. Have big beautiful dreams and vision. Chase them with much passion. But, also hold on to them all ever so lightly. Be flexible and willing to flow as life comes at you.
23. Giving is the secret to receiving. Share your wisdom, your love, your talents. Share freely and be amazed at how much beauty in life flows back to you.
24. On that note, be careful not to give too much. If you empty out your own cup completely, you will have nothing left to give. Balance is key.
25. Say "YES!" to everything that lights you up. Say "no", unapologetically, to anything that doesn't excite you or you don't have the bandwidth for. Time is one of our most precious resources that we can never get back. Manage it wisely.
26. Sometimes we outgrow friendships. It doesn't mean they're bad or you're bad. It just means you're on different paths. Hold them in your heart, but when they start to hurt or hold you back, it's time to give space or let go.
27. Fear is often a very good indicator of what we really want and need in our life. Let it be your compass and enjoy the exciting adventure it leads you on.
28. Overcoming your fears is one of the most empowering things you can ever do for yourself. You'll prove to yourself you can truly accomplish anything! Major self-confidence booster.
29. Our bodies are our vehicle to our dreams. Treat them with love and fuel them with the best health to feel vibrant and energized. But, never obsess over image. Looks are subjective and will fade in time, anyway. Feeling good, healthy, and comfortable in our own skin is what matters most.
30. Let those that you love know it often and enthusiastically. You can never say it or show it too much. Your time, total presence, love, and genuine concern for their wellness is the greatest gift of all.
31. The present moment is where it's at. It's the only one promised to any of us. Learn from your past & enjoy the beautiful memories, but don't cling or let them haunt you. And, dream big and be excited about the future, but don't become obsessed. Love this moment, always.
32. Life is full of highs and lows. We need them both to grow to our fullest potential. Just hang on tight and enjoy the ride.
33. We are all connected as one human family. Nobody is better or worse than anyone else -- just at different stages of our journeys and dealing with life the best way we know how. Recognize that the other person is you.
34. Practice daily gratitude for all the blessings in your life, large and small. Not only is this a high vibe practice that feels amazing, in practicing regularly you are creating space for even more abundance -- of joy, love, health, and prosperity.
35. We are not the center of the universe, although our ego can make us feel that way at times. Step outside of that way of thinking and see the world and other people's perspective in a whole new beautiful light.
36. The world needs more love, light, and laughter. Go be love.
37. You are the guru. For much of our lives, we have been told what do, how to think, what looks good, what "success" is. You don't have to buy into any of it. Feel free to peel back the layers. Think for yourself. Break the mold. When you stop doing what everybody else wants you to do and start following your own intuition, you will be ridiculously happy.

In looking back at your own life, realize that every high and low is all part of your amazing story. Own it! Take cues and guidance from the universe and you will continue to go on an incredible ride as you fully step into your truth and power.

Age is just a number, but the higher it gets, the more wisdom and life experience we've amassed. You are never going to be younger than you are in this present moment again. So embrace it, love it, and enjoy it fully!

Here's to many more beautiful years of seeking-truth, questioning all that does not sit right, and making your greatest impact in the world! I look forward to adding more lessons as life continues to give me the opportunity to learn, grow, transform, share and expand. Hope you will too.

With much love,
Dawn

Первоисточник

Перевод такой:

«Сегодня мой тридцать седьмой день рождения. Надо сказать все эти годы были довольно интересны. Оглядываясь на прожитые этапы моей жизни, я теперь понимаю, как все мои успехи и промахи, триумфы и душевная боль сделали меня сегодняшнюю.

Я прошла путь от застенчивой и прилежной маленькой девочки до выскочки-подростка и беспечной 20-летней мечтательницы. Сегодня мне за 30. Я стала мамой, предпринимателем и поняла, что в этой жизни для меня самое главное.

Продолжая с каждым днем познавать себя и помогать это делать другим людям, я решила напрячь извилины и составить список уроков, которые я извлекла из 37 лет моей жизни. Сегодня я начинаю очередной круг вокруг солнца и делюсь с вами уроками, которые я уже получила. Надеюсь они будут кому-то полезны.

Итак:

1. Счастье внутри. Мы тратим слишком много времени на поиски одобрения и утешения со стороны. И всегда оказывается, что не там ищем. Загляните внутрь себя.
2. Будьте благодарны за все. За хорошее, за плохое, за ужасное. Жизнь сама по себе — это бесценный дар. А удовольствие и боль — это часть нашего пути.
3. Измените восприятие и ваша жизнь изменится. Когда вы чувствуете страх, злость, обиду, просто взгляните на ситуацию под другим углом.
4. Невозможно осчастливить всех, оставаясь верным себе. Но все же лучше рискнуть и оказаться непонятым, чем быть любимым, но притворяться тем, кем ты не являешься на самом деле.
5. Мир вокруг — это зеркало. То, что мы любим в других — это отражение того, что мы любим в себе. То, что нас огорчает в других — это индикатор того, на что нам нужно обратить внимание в самих себе.
6. Каждый человек появляется в нашей жизни с какой-то целью. А мы уже сами решаем, учиться ли на уроках, которые он нам преподает или нет. Чем хуже его роль в нашей жизни, тем серьезнее урок. Мотайте на ус.
7. Верьте. Просто знайте, что в самые тяжелые времена Вселенная подставит спину, и все будет в порядке.
8. Не принимайте все слишком близко к сердцу. Поступки других людей — это отражение того, что происходит в их личной жизни. И как правило, к вам это не имеет никакого отношения.
9. Природа лечит. Прогулка на свежем воздухе и вид красивых пейзажей удивительным образом способны очистить голову от ненужных мыслей, вернуть к жизни и поднять настроение.
10. Обиженные люди обижают людей. И все равно любите их. Хотя никто не запрещает вам любить их на расстоянии.
11. Чтобы излечиться, нужно это прочувствовать. Поставьте ваши страхи и слабости прямо перед собой и направьте на них яркий луч света, потому что единственный способ избавиться от них, это пройти сквозь них. Смотреть правде в глаза больно. Но, клянусь, в перспективе оно того действительно стоит.
12. Перфекционизм — это иллюзия. Самая, надо сказать, болезненная. Расслабьтесь. Стремитесь к совершенству, но позвольте себе делать ошибки и быть счастливым независимо от результата.
13. Снимите шоры с глаз. Не концентрируйтесь исключительно на собственных целях и желаниях. Вы рискуете упустить красоту этой жизни и людей вас окружающих. Мир удивителен, когда вы идете по нему с широко открытыми глазами.
14. Празднуйте ваши победы. Смакуйте каждый, пусть даже самый маленький успех.
15. Умей прощать. В первую очередь это нужно тебе, а не тем, кто тебя обидел. Прощая, ты обретаешь покой и свободу, которые заслуживаешь. Прощай легко и быстро.
16. Мы все обладаем невероятной интуицией. Если остановиться, замереть и прислушаться, то можно услышать голос своей внутренней мудрости. Слушайте тихий шепот вашего сердца. Оно знает дорогу.
17. Пусть ваша душа поет! Будьте настоящими. На Земле нет никого такого же как вы. Будьте искренними, живите и дышите полной грудью, двигаясь к намеченным целям.
18. Мы все творцы. Серьезно! При должном упорстве, концентрации и настойчивости возможно все. Помните об этом.
19. Я излучаю свет. Вы излучаете свет. Мы все излучаем свет. Некоторые отбрасывают тень на свою собственную яркость. Будьте лучом света для других и указывайте им путь.
20. Не воспринимайте жизнь слишком серьезно! Все равно никто не уйдет живым. Улыбнись. Позвольте себе быть глупыми. Пользуйтесь моментом. Развлекайтесь.
21. Окружайте себя людьми, которые вас любят и поддерживают. И сами любите и поддерживайте их. Жизнь слишком коротка для чего-то меньшего.
22. Кружитесь по жизни в свободном танце. Если у вас есть большая мечта, следуйте за ней со всей страстью. Но нежно и на определенном расстоянии, чтобы быть достаточно гибким и подвижным, подстраиваясь под меняющийся ритм жизни.
23. Чем больше даешь, тем больше получаешь. Делитесь мудростью, любовью, талантом. Делитесь легко. И вы увидите, как много в этой жизни прекрасного к вам возвращается.
24. Главное не раздать себя полностью. Потому что если внутрення чаша опустеет, то больше нечего будет дать. Важно соблюдать баланс.
25. Говорите «Да!» всему тому, отчего загораются ваши глаза. Говорите непримиримое «Нет» всему, что вас не интересует или на что у вас нет времени. Время — самый ценный ресурс, который не возобновляется. Расходуйте его разумно.
26. Иногда мы перерастаем дружбу. Это не значит, что мы или друзья плохие. Просто наши пути расходятся. Сохраните их в своем сердце, но если они начинают вас обижать или сдерживать, значит пришло время установить дистанцию и отпустить вашу дружбу.
27. Страх — очень хороший показатель того, чего мы на самом деле хотим, и что нам нужно в этой жизни. Позвольте ему быть вашим компасом и наслаждайтесь волнующими приключениями, к которым он вас ведет.
28. Преодолеть собственный страх — это самая полезная вещь, которую вы можете для себя сделать. Тем самым вы доказываете сами себе, что можете все. Это супер-генератор уверенности в себе.
29. Наше тело — это транспорт, который везет нас к нашей мечте. Любите его, относитесь бережно и заботливо, если хотите чувствовать себя бодрым и энергичным. Но никогда не зацикливайтесь. Внешность субъективна и со временем так или иначе меняется. Чувствовать себя комфортно и удобно в собственном теле — вот что самое главное.
30. Как можно чаще говорите и показывайте близким, как вы их любите. Этого не бывает слишком много. Ваше время, присутствие рядом, любовь и искренняя забота о них — самый лучший подарок.
31. Живите настоящим. Это единственное, что у нас сейчас есть. Учитесь на ошибках прошлого и наслаждайтесь приятными воспоминаниями, но не цепляйтесь за них и не позволяйте им вас преследовать. Мечтайте о будущем, но без фанатизма и одержимости. Любите настоящее.
32. Жизнь — это череда взлетов и падений. Чтобы раскрыть весь свой потенциал, нам необходимо и то, и другое. Просто держитесь покрепче и наслаждайтесь поездкой.
33. Мы все одна большая человеческая семья. Никто из нас не лучше и не хуже других. Просто на каком-то этапе жизни мы знаем, что делать. В следующий раз это будет кто-то другой.
34. Будьте благодарны каждый день за все то, что вы в жизни имеете. Таким образом вы создаете вокруг себя пространство для еще большего изобилия, притягивая радость, любовь, здоровье и процветание.
35. Вы не центр Вселенной. Хотя иногда ваше эго заставляет вас так думать. Не стоит. Посмотрите на мир и людей вокруг, и вы узнаете много нового и прекрасного.
36. Миру нужно больше любви, света и смеха.
37. Вы сам себе гуру. Большую часть жизни нам говорят, что делать, как думать, что есть хорошо и как добиться успеха. Не стоит всему этому безоговорочно верить. Думайте сами за себя. Ломайте устои. Как только вы перестанете делать то, что от вас ждут, и начнете следовать своей собственной интуиции, вы почувствуете себя до смешного счастливым.

Возраст — это просто цифра. Но чем она больше, тем мудрее и опытнее мы становимся. Ты уже никогда не будешь моложе, чем ты есть сейчас. Так пользуйся этим! Наслаждайся моментом!"

Источник перевода

Bill Gates' Advice to Students

Love him or not, he sure hits some nails on the head with this. Bill Gates  gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair – get used to it!

Rule 2 : The world won’t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won’t be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault, so don’t whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bill s, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent’s generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time..

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.

If you agree , pass it on.
If you can read this – Thank a teacher!

любовное письмо Бетховена: полная версия

Good morning, on July 7
      Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I nedd a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm, only by a clam consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
ever thine
ever mine
ever ours

Доброе утро, 7 июля

Даже в постели мысли мои летят к тебе, Бессмертная Любовь моя! Меня охватывает то радость, то грусть в ожидании того, что готовит нам судьба. Я могу жить либо с тобой, либо не жить вовсе. Да, я решил до тех пор блуждать вдали от тебя, пока не буду в состоянии прилететь и броситься в твои объятия, чувствовать тебя вполне своей и наслаждаться этим блаженством. Так должно быть. Ты согласишься на это, ведь ты не сомневаешься в моей верности тебе; никогда другая не овладеет моим сердцем, никогда, никогда. О, Боже, зачем расставаться с тем, что так любишь! Жизнь, которую я веду теперь в В., тяжела. Твоя любовь делает меня одновременно счастливейшим и несчастнейшим человеком. В мои годы требуется уже некоторое однообразие, устойчивость жизни, а разве они возможны при наших отношениях? Ангел мой, сейчас узнал только, что почта уходит ежедневно, я должен закончить, чтобы ты скорей получила письмо. Будь спокойна; будь спокойна, люби меня всегда.
Какое страстное желание видеть тебя! Ты — моя Жизнь — мое Всё — прощай. Люби меня по-прежнему —

не сомневайся никогда в верности любимого тобою А.

Навеки твой,
Навеки моя,
Навеки мы — наши.

Love letters of great people

In June of 1945, Arline Feynman — high-school sweetheart and wife of the hugely influential physicist, Richard Feynman — passed away after succumbing to tuberculosis. She was 25-years-old. 16 months later, in October of 1946, Richard wrote his late wife the following love letter and sealed it in an envelope. It remained unopened until after his death in 1988.

October 17, 1946

D’Arline,

I adore you, sweetheart.

I know how much you like to hear that — but I don't only write it because you like it — I write it because it makes me warm all over inside to write it to you.

It is such a terribly long time since I last wrote to you — almost two years but I know you'll excuse me because you understand how I am, stubborn and realistic; and I thought there was no sense to writing.

But now I know my darling wife that it is right to do what I have delayed in doing, and that I have done so much in the past. I want to tell you I love you. I want to love you. I always will love you.

I find it hard to understand in my mind what it means to love you after you are dead — but I still want to comfort and take care of you — and I want you to love me and care for me. I want to have problems to discuss with you — I want to do little projects with you. I never thought until just now that we can do that. What should we do. We started to learn to make clothes together — or learn Chinese — or getting a movie projector. Can't I do something now? No. I am alone without you and you were the "idea-woman" and general instigator of all our wild adventures.

When you were sick you worried because you could not give me something that you wanted to and thought I needed. You needn’t have worried. Just as I told you then there was no real need because I loved you in so many ways so much. And now it is clearly even more true — you can give me nothing now yet I love you so that you stand in my way of loving anyone else — but I want you to stand there. You, dead, are so much better than anyone else alive.

I know you will assure me that I am foolish and that you want me to have full happiness and don't want to be in my way. I'll bet you are surprised that I don't even have a girlfriend (except you, sweetheart) after two years. But you can't help it, darling, nor can I — I don't understand it, for I have met many girls and very nice ones and I don't want to remain alone — but in two or three meetings they all seem ashes. You only are left to me. You are real.

My darling wife, I do adore you.

I love my wife. My wife is dead.

Rich.

PS Please excuse my not mailing this — but I don't know your new address.

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

Я недавно начала читать книгу "Призвание" Кена Робинсона,и наткнулась на его выступление на тед.ком, которое считается одним из лучших выступлений по кол-ву просмотров.

Прекрасное выступление, поданное с британским акцентом с огромной долей юмора.
Более того, раздумывая в последнее время над образованием, не могу с ним не согласится!




Некоторые тезисы:

 If you think of it, children starting school this year will be retiring in 2065. Nobody has a clue what the world will look like in five years' time. And yet we're meant to be educating them for it. So the unpredictability, I think, is extraordinary.

So I want to talk about education and I want to talk about creativity. My contention is that creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status.

Сhildren're not frightened of being wrong. Now, I don't mean to say that being wrong is the same thing as being creative. What we do know is, if you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original -- if you're not prepared to be wrong. And by the time they get to be adults, most kids have lost that capacity. They have become frightened of being wrong. And we run our companies like this, by the way. We stigmatize mistakes.

But something strikes you when you move to America and when you travel around the world: Every education system on earth has the same hierarchy of subjects. Every one. Doesn't matter where you go. You'd think it would be otherwise, but it isn't. At the top are mathematics and languages, then the humanities, and the bottom are the arts. Everywhere on Earth. And in pretty much every system too, there's a hierarchy within the arts. Art and music are normally given a higher status in schools than drama and dance. There isn't an education system on the planet that teaches dance everyday to children the way we teach them mathematics. Why? Why not? I think this is rather important. I think math is very important, but so is dance. Children dance all the time if they're allowed to, we all do. We all have bodies, don't we? 

If you were to visit education, as an alien, and say "What's it for, public education?" I think you'd have to conclude -- if you look at the output, who really succeeds by this, who does everything that they should, who gets all the brownie points, who are the winners -- I think you'd have to conclude the whole purpose of public education throughout the world is to produce university professors. Isn't it?

Now our education system is predicated on the idea of academic ability. And there's a reason. The whole system was invented -- around the world, there were no public systems of education, really, before the 19th century. They all came into being to meet the needs of industrialism. 

We know three things about intelligence. One, it's diverse. We think about the world in all the ways that we experience it. We think visually, we think in sound, we think kinesthetically. We think in abstract terms, we think in movement. Secondly, intelligence is dynamic.In fact, creativity -- which I define as the process of having original ideas that have value -- more often than not comes about through the interaction of different disciplinary ways of seeing things.
And the third thing about intelligence is, it's distinct.

What TED celebrates is the gift of the human imagination. We have to be careful now that we use this gift wisely and that we avert some of the scenarios that we've talked about. And the only way we'll do it is by seeing our creative capacities for the richness they are and seeing our children for the hope that they are. And our task is to educate their whole being, so they can face this future. By the way -- we may not see this future, but they will. And our job is to help them make something of it. Thank you very much.