My mind rebels at stagnation.

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"My mind," he said, "rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation."

Sherlock Holmes, in "The Sign of the Four"

Comments

Irredento Urbanita said…
Yeah Richard, lucky that live in that country. but I can see that you have very present Peru in your heart. Your posts show it.
I have it clear. Peru is a marvelous country but the peruvian people (included me) have not the quality to make of Peru a big nation.

Greetings from Perú
September 08, 2006 11:04 AM
Barbara said…
I seriously doubt you will ever have to worry about stagnation of your mind! I do agree with Sherlock Holmes that a busy mind is far healthier than an idle one. It's all a matter of balance, however, finding that middle ground between idle and overly busy. I'm in my own personal search for that right now.
September 08, 2006 1:46 PM
KL said…
Hi Richard,

Could you please let me know about the math/science eduation in schools in Canada? For instance, what sorts of math do the students do in high school? Are all students allowed to study math/science in high school or are there any selection criteria? Please let me know if possible. Thanks.
September 08, 2006 9:16 PM
Run Around Paris said…
This post made me dizzy. Not fall-off-my-chair dizzy as in the past, but a little light-headed, nonetheless.
September 08, 2006 11:26 PM
Richard said…
irredento urbanita: I am not sure if I have Peru in my heart, but I certainly have a Peruvian in my heart - my wife - and of course my Peruvian family.

barbara: as I have written (several times) in my annual performance reviews, "quantity of work does not compensate for interesting work"

kl: I am only familiar with Quebec's education system (I was educated here) and Ontario's (my brother and sister were educated there). There is no national education curriculum in Canada - it is a provincial jurisdiction.

In Quebec, high school is from grade 7 to 11. The highest maths I studied in high school was algebra. I also had physics and chemistry - some schools will have biology. After high school, all students go to CEGEP (a type of college) to take either a two year pre-university program or a 3 year career program. In CEGEP, you have access to much higher levels or maths and science.

In Ontario, high school is from grade 8 to 12. I believe calculus and linear algebra are covered. IF you wish to proceed to university then you must complete sufficient credits to proceed - this usually means an additional year of study (previously, Ontario high schools used to go to grade 13 - after which you could proceed to university.

I am not aware of any restrictions to studying in Canada - as long as you have the minimum academic requirements, you are free to take whatever courses you want.

run around paris: as long as it made you think (or at least go "hmmmm") I am happy. Maybe a little ie down would not be out of order?
September 09, 2006 6:53 AM
Mother of Invention said…
Ah, old Sherlock was indeed cerebral! I can be but for short periods of time..I do need = time to chill out and quite SIMPLY veg!
(I tagged you for the "Three Things" meme at my blog todat (Sat.) just because your answers will be so interesting for your readers...it's a ready-made blog idea, but I know you are probably too busy to do it for awhile...no timeline anyway.)
September 09, 2006 12:50 PM
Just me said…
Stagnation of the mind is like death. Creativity, learning, growth, and exercise keeps us alive. Or at least that's what I believe. Once we stop challenging our minds and our bodies for that matter than those muscles atrophy and eventually die.
September 09, 2006 7:19 PM
Richard said…
MOI: I empathize with the desire to veg ... however, it is unsatisfying, it is more like resting to recover ones energies rather than true rest. We need to be more balanced to ensure our intellectual levels stay high always. It is rather like eating only one type of food until we are deficient in nutrients and then having to rest and eat more properly until we are recovered. Better to have a balanced diet. I will get to the tag later.

freckled-one: I agree whole heartedly - that is why I find work so stiffling. The world is filled with peoiple who seem to prefer numbed minds - whether that is through dull work or chemical means.
September 10, 2006 8:15 AM
tin-tin said…
i like what sherlock holmes said. it best describes me :)
September 11, 2006 5:21 AM
Richard said…
tin-tin: it was really Artur Conan Doyle who wrote it, he just put the words in Sherlock Holmes' mouth. But yeah, it is how I always feel - aack! boring! boring! give me something interesting to do!
September 11, 2006 5:58 PM
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