The courage to teach… a book review

“The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life”

by Parker J Palmer

I don’t think I can find the right words to recommend this book to all teachers, doctors and parents who strive to inspire students and kids.

Here a few quotes:

“”This book is for teachers who have good days and bad — and whose bad days bring the suffering that comes only from something one loves. It is for teachers who refuse to harden their hearts, because they love learners, learning, and the teaching life.”

“We don’t just teach a subject, we share part of ourselves. (…) Deep speaks to deep.”

“Being a good parent requires the ability to hold the paradox of discipline and freedom. Helping our kids become free requires us to sometimes restrict their freedom in certain situations. When drawn into a moment of tension with our kids, there is no formula to tell us whether this is a moment of freedom or a time for discipline or some alchemy of both. Good parents find their way through such minefields every day by allowing the tension itself to pull them open to a larger and larger love. We solve these dilemmas by looking past the tension within ourselves toward the best interest of the child.”