Sir Ken Robinson

Educating the Heart and Mind

August 25, 2011

Noted British educational expert Sir Ken Robinson argues that “in any list of what it means to be human, empathy, intuition, imagination and compassion would surely be at or near the top. Yet, many systems of education pay little or no attention to cultivating these vital qualities. Instead, they promote a narrow view of academic ability and impersonal principles of standardization and conformity. We pay a high price for the exile of feeling in education. Emotional, social intelligence and inner well-being, as well as academic excellence, should be carefully cultivated. For the future, it's vital to rethink the dynamic relationships between heart and mind within human consciousness and their essential place in the education of all our students.”