Sunday, October 26, 2014

A500.1.5.RB-MaryCatherineMyers


Intellectual Perseverance is important in the progression of my studies because it lays out the format on how to deal with issues that may arise while at the same time using intellect as opposed to irrationality. One portion of the definition of intellectual perseverance resonates extremely well with education, “a sense of the need to struggle with confusion and unsettled questions over an extended period of time to achieve deeper understanding or insight.” This, to me, epitomizes the process of education. Often times, one finds themselves at odds with the content of their studies and can become confused or even upset when they realize a truth. This is part of the process, there will always be times of learning and answering unsettling questions. It is important to know that these questions will make you wiser and you will achieve a deeper understanding of the content. For example, often times in my studies in the field of history, I discovered many instances of social injustice that I was not aware of, like the treatment of Japanese Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbor. I was horrified to learn that the Japanese Americans were forced to leave their homes only to be segregated into camps across the United States. Through this unsettling information, I gained a deeper understanding of the state and mind of the nation at that time. I gained a deeper understanding of the fear and resentment that Americans held after being attacked by such a fierce enemy unexpectedly.

Intellectual perseverance is something that every good leader should know and understand. Being a leader will always come with difficulties, obstacles, and frustrations, but it is important to deal with these calamities using rationality and intellect. When problems arise, people look to their leader to help move them through the obstacle safely and efficiently; this takes a skilled levelheaded leader. One portion of the definition of intellectual perseverance comes to mind when I think about a leader, “firm adherence to rational principles despite the irrational opposition of others.” To me, times of opposition are what helps society or a group grow. These are the times when a leader needs to be rational and open to intellectual insight and truth. If the leader is going to make an educated decision that affects many people, it is necessary to make sure that they are receiving facts and the correct information. Sometimes it can be hard for a leader to weed out the irrationality of suggestions or oppositions of others in the group. For example, using my experience in education, disciplining children in the classroom can be difficult. As a teacher, you are the leader of a group, the students in your class. Generally, children, by nature, can be irrational. Often times, this leads to opposition and discipline problems in the classroom. An effective leader needs to be able to come to a conclusion with the student who is out of hand. For this to be successful, the teacher needs to stay rational and use best principles when disciplining the student. The student will look to the teacher to be fair in their ‘punishment’.

Intellectual Perseverance is crucial to any situation that involves a group of people as well as in your studies. The definition of Intellectual Perseverance serves as a guide to help handle rough situations and come out on the other side with growth and insight.

No comments:

Post a Comment