Lasting themes pay off

In response to Ryan Fraser’s complaint that current writings aren’t part of today’s curricula, I am in my 60s and will tell you that some of us had the same complaint when I was Ryan’s age. However, I am pleased to hear that some of these same novels, plays, etc. are still being taught.

While Ryan decries these books as not being contemporary, he should be aware that ideas are not exclusive to any particular time or place. Years after being required to read these same books, I found that I was grateful for being taught to approach the themes of these books with an open mind and then to apply “critical thinking” as to my conclusions regarding the issues raised in them.

I have found this educational effect to be of extreme importance as an adult when facing major decisions in my life. Without logic and reason and to critically think through subjects of importance to me, the family, or our nation, I would never be able to support my decisions.

A decision arrived at strictly through knee-jerk emotion will inevitably lead to unintended consequences which could have probably been avoided by using our greatest tool – the human mind.

Ryan should thank those teachers who want him to learn to think for himself.

David Jon Erickson

Spokane Valley