Don't be so grandiose

 

On the one hand, there's probably an important distinction to be drawn about being passionate about something. And on the other hand, becoming so personally ensnared that if the issue gets worse or is not resolved in some satisfactory way, then you take it personally. I try not to fall into the later trap. It would be the height of hubris for a person to see himself or herself as a failure if an issue of complex social phenomenon or something like nuclear proliferation or climate change did not resolve itself. If I start feeling that way, I say to myself "Don't be so grandiose. Robert Reich on Inequality in Men's Journal

I drew comfort from Reich's words. After working diligently for 37 years to ensure the availability of quality school libraries for kids; to change educational practices to make them more relevant, authentic, and personal for kids; and to develop programs that teach kids to use technology in powerful ways, I often feel the opposite is happening in most schools.

I need to remember that my greatest satisfaction has come from the remark for the one child about wanting another book "just like the last one; from seeing a teacher modify a research assignment to make it local; from watching one class of kindergarteners use technology to learn math in ways suited just for them. And knowing I may have has some small part in making those things happen.

I need to stop feeling "so grandiose." 

Comments

[Susan Polos]

Doug, please humbly accept this assurance that your work definitely has resulted in better practices and better attitudes - I speak for myself but am sure I'm not alone!

[Donna B]

What. Susan. Said.

[Sara Kelly Johns]

I have long appreciated your humility, Doug. Thanks for all you do.; it's important to not just throw up your hands and give up but also to recognize there are BIG problems you can't change quickly--or even at all, Just keep on keeping on. My mantra.

[Doug Johnson]

Thanks Susan and Donna,

I wasn't really fishing for reassurance, but this is nice of you to say. I just feel a little better others (like Reich) sometimes feel disappointed that they cannot effect more change.

All the best and thanks for the kind words,

Doug

Hi Sara,

You know me - I'll go down fighting. I just have to remember that the "small" changes are as important as the big ones.

See you next week in Hartford!

Doug