Culture of Generosity

What is a culture of generosity and how can it be used to improve education?

A culture of generosity focuses on people’s intrinsic motivations and interests to help society as a whole. It is a society that encourages the world’s population to contribute and collaborate on large, sometimes global projects. In this culture creativity is shared in a communal or civic way. Both allow people to share their creativity with others without constraints or limitations.

In education, I think a culture of generosity could provide so many opportunities to enhance children’s abilities to grow and develop. Focusing more on creativity, experimentation, and freedom allows students to become engaged and involved on things they are interest in. One way it can be used to improve education is by providing multiple options for children. As an educator, telling children that there is more than one right answer, could allow for creativity, passion and a want to learn. This is exhibited in Project Based Learning, thus I believe this is one direct way education can be improved because the learning is more student centered and applicable to the real world. Students are allowed to be original, use their creativity, while at the same time connecting with professionals in society and their peers to create their own intrinsic motivation to learn.

What does it mean to say “Free cultures get what they celebrate?”

I think this means that if people are encouraged and given the opportunity to be creative without being told to do something or being paid, the end result will not only develop from ones intrinsic motivation but be meaningful to society as well. If creativity is not celebrated, it will not be viewed in a positive light and thus an authoritarian and consumerist society may be reverted to. If achievements are not celebrated then the importance of creativity and originality may be viewed as meaningless instead of meaningful.