By Living We Learn

First, an apology to those sharing a carriage with me on the Embra-Glasgow shuttle half an hour ago. I deeply regret the snort of incredulity that sprayed a mouthful of Markie's best Etoile d'Or premium strength lager over the back of the seat in front of me. I blame the media, in this instance The Herald. In a report on its front page G. Broon, after admitting 'I'm not as great a presenter of information or communicator as I would like to be' then 'hints at a career after politics, saying eventually he would like to become a teacher.' Hinc illae lacrimae, or rather fine spray of 5% ABV lager. The whole matter was compounded by my being fresh from a morning lecture/slide show/film show on the Summer Meetings run in the Old Town of Edinburgh in the last two decades of the 19th century by Patrick Geddes. It took place in the building where the Meetings, or some of them, were held (see photie) and emphasised the spirit which Geddes brought to learning. Not much 'presenting information' was involved as he saw the learner 'not as a receptacle for information but a possible producer of independent thought.' And there, Gordie, is the rub: to what extent does your political career show you as an encourager of independent thought? Answers on a postcard. The Geddes method also called for an insistence upon demonstrations, experiment, field excursions; use of the German seminar system to give guidance to the world of books and activity in using them; extended use of graphic methods; and learning taking place in a social setting. Oh, and imported cosmopolitan lecturers including assorted anarchists and on-the-run Communards. Again, not the kind of people the PM has had 'on message' in 'the project.' Another quality that is essential in the teaching business, if you are going to do it well, is humility. Like most sons and daughters of the manse (think the Alexander siblings) the PM seems to have suffered a humility by-pass. I think a nice desk job at the IMF is just what he needs.......