Art or Science?

Thinking about My Life’s Choices.

Dutiful son, Youngest and indulged, Cosseted in world long gone, Professional class emphasis on university and research, Victorian rigidity and romanticised Scottish origins.

Loved art history geography and social sciences, Found physics logic and mathematics interesting, Choice in teenage years art or science?

Word “Choice” euphemism for assumption of would agree to what’s good for me, Parents consulted teachers and friends, Science won dutiful son followed path ordained, Followed path unquestioning.

School subjects changed to emphasize maths and physics, History gone, Same fate for geography art and social studies, Dutiful son, Dutiful son.

Looking back those days shrouded in mists, Rigid social pressure castrated parent’s ability to choose, Teachers had no choice either must recommend professionalism, No choice.

After graduation, Years in England traditions’ bonds broken, Embarked on lifelong study technical and cognitive research teaching, My lessons passed children and grandchildren, Kids should both be Seen and heard, Seen and heard.

Australia in those days laidback and mateship but beneath veneer cast iron intolerance for different attitudes, Intolerance.

Retrospectives on Choice “Art or Science”.

Choice between extremes, From experience art and science have common skills, Critical thinking, Practice with hand and eye, Attention to detail, Self discipline, Patience and tenacity, Seeking ascetic goals, Appreciation of beauty, Creativity and honesty.

Few people renaissance polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci, Yet evidence abounds of art in artifacts and scientific method in art, Stirling Single locomotive, Amerigo Vespucci ship, Mona Lisa painting.

Now grandfather encourages kids, Follow passions revel in interests explore possibilities learn by doing rather than following, Let boldness guide life’s journey.

Blessed be.