I find it strange that all educational philosophy and research gets ignored by modern high school education.

In Australia we’ve got the dominant view that hung parliaments and large cross benches are ‘unworkable’ and ‘feral’. Why? In Europe hung parliaments are normal, and there are often many parties represented in the parliament.

Would we benefit from more diverse parties and viewpoints in parliament?

Because climate change is talked about hundreds of times a day and the meaning of the term and issues tat need to be talked about are at odds. It is simply incorrect use of the english language, in a similar way to the use of ‘cement’ when referring to ‘concrete’!

Are people-pleasers restricting public discourse and making it tricky to challenge? Asking because difficult conversations can solve big problems

Perhaps like Impressionism before it, political correctness will be a useful, neutral shorthand for a way of seeing the world. Until then, it’s a insult thrown across Xmas dinner tables and in the opinion pages of The Australian. ‘You’re just being politically correct’ pointedly suggests that a view is being parroted, that is it not honestly held. Why are attempts, no doubt in my case faltering and inexpertly argued, assumed to be disingenuous? What does this do except reinforce an underlying idea that bigotry, or the ugly aspects of the Id, are not only raw but somehow better for being honest?

We are constantly outsourcing social tasks, child care, aged care, any care actually. Our level of tolerance and sense of community is constantly diminishing, causing more depression and social problems. Why aren’t we encouraging mothers to spend time with their kids instead of putting them in care? Why aren’t we supporting adult children in looking after their aging parents. Why don’t we help each other more? Is it all about money? Appearances? Lack of tolerance?

Because this is bizarre!

It is something I have been grappling with in recent years, and have come to believe that this is true.

The recent discovery of water on Mars has brought into perspective that a manned mission may contaminate the results of any discovery of life. Perchlorates and cosmic radiation are still barriers to a lengthy mission. Is it more important to have realistic expectations of Mars or a vision of solving problems to which we do not yet have answers?

Because I’m trying to take the first steps on an exercise regimen for the first time and first steps in writing a book and first steps in renovating parts of our house and it’s also a source of interest to me where people draw strength, for a lot of aspects of life.