What Can We Learn from Children?


In the picturesque state of Harmonyville, a unique challenge was set forth by the Department of Education that would soon captivate the hearts and minds of elementary school students across the region. The challenge was simple but profound: each elementary school was tasked with discovering one exceptional idea conceived by the fertile imagination of a young child. It was a quest to tap into the untamed creativity of youth and uncover a nugget of wisdom hidden within their innocent souls.


With great enthusiasm and anticipation, the principals of these schools gathered their students in grand assemblies, where they explained the challenge and its significance. "Good ideas come from everywhere," one principal emphasized, his eyes shining with hope. "The future belongs to the younger generation. We should listen to them," echoed another principal, nodding in agreement.


Over the course of three months, the challenge ignited a spark in the hearts of children and teachers alike. Conversations and brainstorming sessions buzzed within the walls of the schools. Young minds pondered the complexities of the world, seeking ways to make it better.


As the three-month deadline drew near, excitement grew to a fever pitch. Each school had carefully selected their best idea, and now it was time to cast their collective votes to determine which concept would emerge victorious. The air was thick with anticipation as the ballots were counted.


To everyone's surprise, the winning idea came from a bright-eyed second-grader named Emma. Her idea was both simple and profound: whenever citizens entered a voting booth to exercise their democratic right, at the very top of the ballot, they would encounter an inspirational or thoughtful quote. This quote would serve as a guiding light, helping to set the tone for their choices as they considered the candidates and issues before them.


The idea resonated deeply with both children and adults. It was an idea born of youthful innocence, unburdened by the complexities of adulthood. Emma's vision was to infuse a touch of wisdom and reflection into the democratic process, reminding voters of the power of their choices.


As the winning idea was announced, the room erupted in cheers and applause. Emma stood on stage, clutching her award with a radiant smile. The audience was entranced not only by her idea but also by the quote she had chosen. It was a passage from Leo Tolstoy that struck a chord in the hearts of all who heard it: "A man is like a fraction whose numerator is what he is and whose denominator is what he thinks of himself. The larger the denominator, the smaller the fraction."


These words reminded everyone that self-reflection and humility were essential qualities in the journey of life. Emma's idea was a testament to the fact that wisdom could be found in the most unexpected places, and that children, with their unfiltered perspective on the world, often held the keys to profound insights.


In the end, Emma's idea was not only implemented in Harmonyville but also served as a reminder to the entire state that wisdom and inspiration could be drawn from the minds of little children. It was a lesson they would carry with them throughout their lives, cherishing the purity of youthful thought and the potential for greatness that lay within every child.


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Public domain story. Freely redistribute in print or electronic form.

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Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
https://opensource.com/users/pshapiro

He/Him/His

"Wisdom begins with wonder." - Socrates
"Learning happens thru gentleness."
"We must reinvent a future free of blinders so that we can choose from real options."  David Suzuki

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