"Theory," says Vives, "is easy and short, but has no result other than the gratification that it affords. Practice on the other hand, is difficult and prolix, but is of immense utility." Since this is so, we should diligently seek out a method by which the young may be easily led to the practical application of natural forces, which is to be found in the arts. -- John Amos Comenius (1592-1670)Comenius is widely considered the "father" of modern pedagogy, and how soon we forget.
This morning I delivered the toys we had made at Clear Spring School to our local food bank. There was already a line at the door, so I hope the economy improves soon and puts people back to work. The toys provided by the students may help to alleviate some of the strain, giving children something to do while their parents shop for food.
On the subject of work, Comenius said, "We give form to ourselves and to our materials at the same time." The worst part of unemployment can be the loss of sense of self... the effects on the psyche. Jun Luis Vives is considered the first scholar to analyze the psyche directly and for that is viewed by some as the "godfather of Psychoanalysis," ahead of Freud by 400 years.