April 10, 2013
Templeton Report: Towards a New Education of Character
“Good schools do not just impart knowledge. They also foster good habits of mind. And yet, as the philosopher John Dewey pointed out, little theoretical or practical work has been done on just what is required to cultivate qualities like curiosity and humble open-mindedness, intellectual tenacity, and attentiveness—the intellectual virtues. Sir John Templeton agreed. In his book Worldwide Laws of Life, partially designed as an inspirational textbook for schools, he asks what is missing from the school curriculum, and cites William Wirt’s dictum: ‘Seize the moment of excited curiosity on any subject to solve your doubts.'”