It’s a reminder that despite societal progress, some biases remain deeply rooted. The tendency to undervalue simplicity or rural lifestyles reflects broader issues of misunderstanding and cultural divide. Recognizing the dignity and wisdom in different ways of living can help bridge these gaps and foster greater respect across communities.
Bridging these divides starts with exactly what you’ve highlighted, recognition, respect, and a willingness to see the wisdom in perspectives different from our own
I love the examples you gave and how you used the country and city mouse fable!! Such a great story with so many lessons! and the qoutes you used were really fantastic...Its truly amazing! I share so many of the same thoughts about wisdom and philosophy...I remember attending my ex husbands staff party's and the upper echelons at his work place would draw me into conversations and they would always ask me what university I attended because I sounded like I had come from some where prestigious. I always gave this answer! The university of Tara. I was self taught the reason It sounded like I graduated from a university was because I read voraciously!! Fiction, non fiction, religious texts I literally read any kind of book I could get my hands on! It was even funnier when they realized that and immediately looked down on me...they couldnt believe a self taught learner could sound more educated than them...and they no longer believed I had anything worthy to offer... worse when they found out I worked unsavory jobs to be available for my children when they got home from school 😆 its so funny looking back now but I still remember those moments of rejection...it literally happened every year at the xmas party they never remembered me! And the funniest part is I knew how it would end but I always gave the same answer! Because I was proud of myself for what I managed to accomplish despite barely having a grade 8 education at that time. I really loved this article you wrote! You brought so many great points in it.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Tara. It speaks to self-determination, resilience, and a deep love of learning for its own sake.
It’s kind of disheartening to hear how people responded once they learned the truth. Sadly, too many still equate worth with credentials or job titles, missing the richness and wisdom that often comes from lived experience, curiosity, and self-education. The fact that you continued to show up, knowing how things would likely unfold, and still stood by your truth with pride says everything.
Your comment reminds me why I wrote the article in the first place. To challenge narrow definitions of wisdom and success. People like you embody what true learning and inner wealth look like.
Thank you again for your kind words and for taking the time to share such a meaningful story.
This was a favourite in my childhood especially the Richard Scarry version. So true, what we so often seek is what we already have, just known differently.
Indeed. I forgot that there were so many meaningful lessons that are applicable for adults as well in these childrens' stories, up until I revisited some of them recently.
It’s a reminder that despite societal progress, some biases remain deeply rooted. The tendency to undervalue simplicity or rural lifestyles reflects broader issues of misunderstanding and cultural divide. Recognizing the dignity and wisdom in different ways of living can help bridge these gaps and foster greater respect across communities.
Couldn't have said it better. I completely agree.
Bridging these divides starts with exactly what you’ve highlighted, recognition, respect, and a willingness to see the wisdom in perspectives different from our own
I love the examples you gave and how you used the country and city mouse fable!! Such a great story with so many lessons! and the qoutes you used were really fantastic...Its truly amazing! I share so many of the same thoughts about wisdom and philosophy...I remember attending my ex husbands staff party's and the upper echelons at his work place would draw me into conversations and they would always ask me what university I attended because I sounded like I had come from some where prestigious. I always gave this answer! The university of Tara. I was self taught the reason It sounded like I graduated from a university was because I read voraciously!! Fiction, non fiction, religious texts I literally read any kind of book I could get my hands on! It was even funnier when they realized that and immediately looked down on me...they couldnt believe a self taught learner could sound more educated than them...and they no longer believed I had anything worthy to offer... worse when they found out I worked unsavory jobs to be available for my children when they got home from school 😆 its so funny looking back now but I still remember those moments of rejection...it literally happened every year at the xmas party they never remembered me! And the funniest part is I knew how it would end but I always gave the same answer! Because I was proud of myself for what I managed to accomplish despite barely having a grade 8 education at that time. I really loved this article you wrote! You brought so many great points in it.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Tara. It speaks to self-determination, resilience, and a deep love of learning for its own sake.
It’s kind of disheartening to hear how people responded once they learned the truth. Sadly, too many still equate worth with credentials or job titles, missing the richness and wisdom that often comes from lived experience, curiosity, and self-education. The fact that you continued to show up, knowing how things would likely unfold, and still stood by your truth with pride says everything.
Your comment reminds me why I wrote the article in the first place. To challenge narrow definitions of wisdom and success. People like you embody what true learning and inner wealth look like.
Thank you again for your kind words and for taking the time to share such a meaningful story.
"Simplicity has its own wisdom."
That it does.
This was a favourite in my childhood especially the Richard Scarry version. So true, what we so often seek is what we already have, just known differently.
Indeed. I forgot that there were so many meaningful lessons that are applicable for adults as well in these childrens' stories, up until I revisited some of them recently.