Author ANTHONY ESOLEN Publisher ISI BOOKS (Intercollegiate Studies Institute) ISBN 1-93519188-8 ‘Irony,’ “the expression of ones’ meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or dramatic effect.” This book is written in this style. Every parent and person involved in education should read it. It is provocative, scathingly accurate as it strips apart the pretensions of the world in which we live, especially in its westernized forms. In a way it is amusingly funny, on the other hand, dreadfully serious. Almost everything that is taught and the way it is taught, restricts rather than develops the imagination of a child. The regimentation of life, the shuttling through the endless lessons, special tutors, absence of true play, stupid and repetitive video and computer games, too much TV; virtually everything, is shaping a child so that he lives his life under a very low ceiling. Strip the child of wonder by saying that this and that is ‘only,’ liberal use of this word is essential. He or she is not allowed to look at the stars, to feel their smallness and the mystery and wonder of all things that make for the true development of the soul in the knowledge of God. Programmable beings, faceless and like peas in a pod without individuality is the result, they are easily manipulated which is just what the doctor ordered as far as the legislators and governments of the world desire their citizens to be. Esolen does not only point out the problems in devastating style but, in a kind of indirect way, at the same time, offers the way out, though parents and educators will need courage to take that way, be warned! I read this book and wanted to say hurray to most everything the author said. I wish I had time to read it again. I may not have fully enjoyed the style, but the substance of the book cannot be controverted. The banality of contemporary culture can be seen everywhere, the dullness of what seems (at first sight), to glitter is exposed here and church leaders and parents and teachers need to face the enemy squarely. This author builds his assessment using a rich tapestry of references and quotations to the classics, literature, music and the arts, some of which the average reader of the book will know little about, perhaps it will stir the enquiring heart to pursue a fuller education for themselves in these things and thus be able to raise their children and teach their pupils with renewed vigor and understanding. Don’t read this book unless you desire to learn ways to shape, in a good way, the lives of children and you yourself will be reshaped too. There is wit, virile writing and plenty of wisdom here.
Ten Ways To Destroy The Imagination Of Your Child
