“Between childhood and wisdom stands the long process of education, of inquiry, and of discovery. The purpose of education is to enable the desire to know that comes spontaneously to children, to focus it, to catalyze it with the great intellectual achievements of the past, and to prepare it to set out on its own.”

Thomas cothran, “What is metaphysics” in The classical teacher, spring 2021.

My children are endless wells of curiosity. If I had a dollar for every question they asked, I’d be very rich. Then again, if I had to return a dollar for every question to which I’ve replied, “I don’t know”–I’d be in the red.

Education is about more than preparing for one’s vocation. If you view “school” as merely something “to get through” so you can “get a job”–then you will be impoverished even if you end up with millions.

It’s wisdom we’re after–as a pursuit of God and a love for our neighbor. What is true? What is good? What is beautiful? How can we best live in wonder and appreciation of the God who made it all? How can we share it with others who are suffering in confusion, hopelessness, and despair?

My child, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Proverbs 2:1-11