The Philosophy of Grand Key Education
Rene Descartes’ classic conclusion, “I think, therefore, I am,” succinctly captures the fundamental truth of human existence. At our very essence, we are unique, self-governing, individual, thinking entities—thinkers of thoughts—who are constantly making mental choices that determine the richness of our lives, including the extent of the skills we develop and the quality of our characters.
Rene Descartes’ classic conclusion, “I think, therefore, I am,” succinctly captures the fundamental truth of human existence. At our very essence, we are unique, self-governing, individual, thinking entities—thinkers of thoughts—who are constantly making mental choices that determine the richness of our lives, including the extent of the skills we develop and the quality of our characters.
The key, then, to preparing today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders for successful lives and careers is to teach them the value and power of ownership and personal responsibility. Lasting skill building and character development rest squarely on teaching people to think about their thinking and to own three timeless axioms:
1. I think, therefore, I am responsible
2. I think, therefore, I am a steward
3. I think, therefore, I am able to do hard things
I am responsible
First and foremost, I am responsible for me. I am responsible for who I am, what I say, how I act, and what I become. I am not a victim of circumstances, events or other people; the outcomes in my life are the results of my choices. I do not control all the circumstances or events in life but I do control how I will respond to them. I cannot shift or delegate this responsibility to anyone else. I, and I alone, am responsible for me.
I am a steward
I do not live alone on this earth. From the day I was born, I have been dependent on and benefited by the work and actions of others. Recognizing this vast interdependent system, I choose to see myself as a steward of the opportunities and resources afforded me, and add to them for the sake of others. I fulfill my stewardship by respecting, preserving and protecting the life and resources of mother earth, the rights and freedoms of others, and by using my energy and talents to make the world a better place for all life on earth.
I am able to do hard things
I accept the universal law of nature: Living things are strengthened by struggle. I am not an exception to this law. By accepting this law I see that life was not supposed to be easy, and I can cast aside a host of unproductive, time-wasting reactions that impede progress and solutions. By taking ownership, and refusing to think like a victim, I can respond with faith and courage whenever I am faced with unexpected setbacks and adversity. Knowing the road to success is not going to get easier, I choose to work at getting stronger.
- Dennis R Deaton
