Impressions of the Central Asian Institute

My thoughts immediately after watching a video from the Central Asian Institute:

I generally agree with the notion that education can serve as a means to help people in developing nations improve their lives. Obviously, people without the ability to think for themselves are more likely to be manipulated by others and will not have the basic skills to raise their children or contribute positively to their communities. The efforts of the Central Asian Institute seem like they have their hearts in the right place, but I do question the long-term efficacy of such efforts. It’s not like the notion of education being beneficial to society is at all new and many developing countries have, in the past, contributed greatly to science and the humanities.

One particular point in the video that gave me pause was the claim that motivated students could be given scholarships to further their education and then return to their villages to affect meaningful change. I have no statistics on the matter, but I wonder how often that actually happens. Perhaps I’m cynical, but I suspect many villagers, given the opportunity to have a university education and improve their own standing, might be hesitant to then return to their villages after being away. That being said, I do think education is essential to improving the lives of people world wide. Where I possibly differ is in the idea that traditional ways of life can be sustained while simultaneously educating and improving the quality of life for people. Education can be very revolutionary and it seems like in cultures which remain highly immutable to change it will be a very difficult task.

Obviously this video is a feel-good PR piece, and I think it has it’s place, but not once did they mention the violent backlash such education, especially the education of young women, often faces in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It’s certainly no secret that many schools have been destroyed and countless young women have been assaulted for trying to receive an education. Until these more fundamental societal issues are addressed, I question how effective these programs will be. Of course, it’s often suggested that educating women will, over time, curtail that sort of violent extremism.

Freewriting Adaptation

The idea of peace fills me with a feeling of tranquility and inertia. There is no conflict, no anger, no aggression; a state of ease and joy. When we are at peace the worries of the world are lifted from our shoulders and we can live our lives with minimal anxiety. When I am at peace it means I’ve managed to tune out the various stresses of my day, be it annoyances in my classes, students who can’t understand basic algebraic concepts, or any of the other assorted failings of the modern education system.

Obviously, when I think of peace I also think of the things that keep peace from me and make it so elusive. I’m struck by the fact that when I think of peace I’m focusing more on my lack of peace than the peace itself. Another way I try to find peace in my own life is by going to a coffee shop or bookstore and tuning out the world by reading or writing and not dwelling on the day to day stresses of my life. This usually works despite the apparent contradiction of reading and writing about various problems both in my life and the world. At least when I’m reading or writing about these things, I feel empowered. Quite often my lack of peace stems from feelings of powerlessness in my own life.

Yet another thing that comes to mind when I think of peace is the feeling I get when traveling, especially driving on highways between cities: the interstate between El Paso to Colorado comes to mind right now. I recall my trip to Denver a few years ago; the open plains and the clouds which allowed me to be swept away from the worries at the time and I was filled with a strong sensation of peace and stability.

It’s the somewhat “new age-y” notion of “finding one’s center” that I often use when I’m discussing the concept of inner peace to others. I understand that when most people talk about peace they often refer to world peace or a lack of war, but I’m a supremely internalized individual and often have a very self-directed perspective when it comes to the meaning of various words.