Happy Soul Food for the Week of Pi Day!
This week:
Pi Day was March 14th (3.14), and that’s also Albert Einstein’s birthday!
“I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”
— Albert Einstein: The father of modern physics
Channeling All of Adam Smith without Selective Listening…
We all know and focus heavily on Adam Smith’s the Wealth of Nations but interestingly not as much on the Theory of Moral Sentiments.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments begins with the following assertion:
“How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortunes of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it. Of this kind is pity or compassion, the emotion we feel for the misery of others, when we either see it, or are made to conceive it in a very lively manner. That we often derive sorrow from the sorrows of others, is a matter of fact too obvious to require any instances to prove it; for this sentiment, like all the other original passions of human nature, is by no means confined to the virtuous or the humane, though they perhaps may feel it with the most exquisite sensibility. The greatest ruffian, the most hardened violator of the laws of society, is not altogether without it.”
Who We Are:
I am an immigrant.
I came over from India in the ‘70s with my courageous parents, and siblings, with just one suitcase each, following the dream and a hope for a better life.
Like many others, I remain seriously concerned about the pro-nationalist, isolationist rhetoric that threatens to undermine our democratic values and culture.
The following story and video are a powerful example of immigrants working hard and doing whatever it takes to attain the American dream.
It is a tale I am sure many immigrants can relate to and can help all of us increase our empathy, regardless of our immigration status or self-concept…
http://www.upworthy.com/storycorps-presents-who-we-are-blanca-and-connie-alvarez
How Creating Networks Build Winning School Districts:
Relationships and Social Capital are the foundation of everything we do in schools and probably beyond. Don’t undervalue the power of high trust relationships!
http://bit.ly/2ny4qyg
Humor: When the Kids Crash Your BBC Interview:
There are well-known drawbacks to working from home: the isolation, the need for self-discipline. But here is a new one: the invasion of the toddlers…
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/10/world/europe/bbc-interview-toddler-interruption.html?_r=1
Thanks this week go to Jason P, SD Grantmakers and Storycorps Chair Gara L, Cindy S and the Mission Fed team, the amazing duo of Alan D and Devin V, and Mama Marlaine C!
Pay it forward you can’t take it with you!
Love,
Neville
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria
New America’s Pledge:
We pledge allegiance to the principles,
Of the United Traits of America
And to the Values for which we Stand,
One Human-KIND
Under every God, or no God as YOU choose to believe,
INDIVISIBLE
With Dignity & Compassion for ALL.
Happy Soul Food Friday! 