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I want you to pretend that a group of educated individuals are discussing the benefits of homework, and a person walking by blurts out “I don’t like homework” just to be defiant and counterbalance the group’s efforts. That person is being foolish. His/her opinion contributes nothing whatsoever to an otherwise intelligent conversation. However, the wise person—even if he/she did not like homework—would think about the reasons behind why he/she does not like homework before interrupting and making an argument. Our society can only thrive when people accept differing opinions, but people must at least ground those opinions in reason. Making outlandish (odd) statements without any clarification does not often serve a valuable purpose, and such statements make me question the degree to which wisdom is still valued in our world.
While we are on the topic of wisdom (and persuasion), I feel that it’s appropriate to share this. When I was younger, I came across this advice by Mary Schmich, which appeared in The Chicago Tribune. Particularly as a student, I found myself looking at this whenever life got hectic and confusing. I still find it helpful from time to time. You may too. Or, perhaps, you may just find it foolish! Either way, here’s the abridged (shortened) version, and I hope that you realize it's about more than just wearing sunscreen:
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen
have been proved by scientists.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by
chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the
kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other peoples' hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead. Sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the
end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Stretch.
Maybe you'll marry. Maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children. Maybe you won't. Maybe you'll dance the funky
chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate
yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're
your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps
in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were
young.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when
you were young, prices were reasonable and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
--Ms. Sanford
P.S. Check Edmodo for an important announcement about the WebQuest!