Living,
Loving and Learning
by Leo Buscaglia, Ph.D.
Schools should be the
most joyous places in the world because learning is the greatest
joy.
"Living,
Loving and Learning," was Leo Buscaglia's seventh
book to be published. An extraordinary educator and philosopher,
Leo lectured extensively world wide throughout his life. This particular
book is a collection of his lectures. The essence of this book reflects
an underlying philosophy best reflected in the quote, "Ideal
teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they
invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing,
joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own."
Leo was most determined to build bridges in his life.
This book stands to represent
a body of knowledge that reflects the legacy of a man whose wish
was to "shake the complacency of humanity." "You
want to be the most educated, the most brilliant, the most exciting,
the most versatile, the most creative individual in the world, because
then you can give it away; and the only reason you have anything
is to give it away." Leo's work addresses the human
side of learning and challenges all of us to develop our full potential
as unique individuals. He reminds us that human potential is really
unlimited in scope, since potential also means "unlimited possibilities."
"Happiness comes only when we push our brains and our
hearts to the farthest reaches of which we are capable."
Leo reminds us that the most essential thing we have to give our
children is who and what we are at any given moment.
"Schools
should be the most joyful places in the world because, learning
is the greatest joy." Since teachers are guides and
mediate children's learning experiences, the process is essentially
one of sharing. The human side of learning requires teachers and
parents to take responsibility for their own development and growth
so they have more to share with children in their learning process.
"No matter
who we are today, we have the opportunity to change."
All research confirms that behavior is learned, so we have the opportunity
everyday to unlearn behavior and relearn it. Even though human beings
have the opportunity to grow in potential, not everyone shares the
same range of ability to bring about change in themselves. Schools
who address the human side of learning in their curriculum offer
children the advantage of learning about themselves. “The
most important needs of all are what we need in ourselves; a need
to be seen, a need to be known, a need to be recognized, a need
for achievement, a need to enjoy our world, a need to see the continual
wonder of life." The reality is that we never stop
needing each other, the process depends on it!
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