tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483308062363305348.post8393238992051931471..comments2024-03-21T07:24:50.120+00:00Comments on tonywarne: Just like Freud, books are not just for Christmas, they're for life!Tony Warnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04506498431920207279noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483308062363305348.post-83806460301554668792009-12-27T20:44:15.883+00:002009-12-27T20:44:15.883+00:00Big Thanks for the 'part' promotional blog...Big Thanks for the 'part' promotional blog, ‘Creative Approaches’. Your final picture reminded me of my ongoing fantasy of the author/editor’s apartment in New York! In a similar vain, of what might have been, how lucky to get out for a peaceful walk before the family extravaganza that for many is ‘Christmas’ – very envious as a head cold and perhaps advancing years or adverse weather prevented me from doing the same this year!……..anyway to return to more important matters…….<br /><br />Your blog made me think (an achievement in its own right!) about where the ‘university’ would place itself in terms of Freud’s id, ego and superego. Personally I would like to think we (the university) would align itself to the ‘id’. I like the idea of the ‘id’, the drive, the impulse, the uncensored ‘child’, or as suggested, the ‘reservoir of libido’ that furnishes our students’ creativity and offers the opportunity for them to explore and establish a sense of ‘self’. What better educational aim? <br /><br />My fear is that of the superego (the seasonal variation being Dickens ‘ghost of Christmas future), whereby as a university we constrain the development of self to no more than that of social compliance, at best ‘a falling in with’ and at worse a stifling of naivety and experience, often resulting in the rebellious teenager/frustrated educator. <br /><br />Or could the university align itself to the ego, acting as a catalyst or go-between for the burgeoning of youth and the expectations of society? However, while the ego does a superb balancing act, it could also be accused of sitting on the proverbial ‘fence’, not a place I believe higher education should be happy being situated in. Personally I would like to think of ‘us’ (the university) as a place where the diversity of our students is nurtured and encouraged and where not only academic but also personal development is the focus for our endeavours. <br /><br />Your Christmas blog poses some interesting questions. As we move from one decade to another perhaps on the 1st of January 2010 we should all enjoy a walk giving us time and opportunity to allow thoughts to find a thinker with regard to the part we would like to play in helping our students create and shape their future and consequently that of an ever evolving society.Sue McAndrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02799295515887310457noreply@blogger.com