“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First by reflection which is the noblest; Second by imitation, which is the easiest and Third by experience, which is the bitterest…”
– Confucius
In his novel, The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco suggests that Aristotle’s treatise on laughter was lost to history or hidden by monks who disapproved of frivolity. What was never lost was his Second Book of Nicomachean Ethics in which he introduces the concepts of virtues and phronesis. As I sat in our assembly on Tuesday, I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact that not only were our pupils able to exercise phronesis, but they appeared to have fun while doing it.
There were two main parts to the assembly. Our Eco Reps (environmental focus rather than on the novelist mentioned above) introduced us to Switch Off Fortnight and outlined the ways in which we can reduce our energy consumption – they had “persuaded” staff to make some cameo appearances to illustrate their serious theme and this indeed provided a lighter side to the points that they were making. Phronesis, according to Aristotle is practical wisdom, it is the capacity to arbitrate between what you can do and what you should do. It is a regulating mechanism that when used correctly leads to good decisions being made. The advice given was practical – we know we can and often do allow devices to remain on standby, but they could be turned off. It is phronesis that should give us the push to inconvenience ourselves into doing the right thing. We know that we should walk to school but making the trip by car might be a little warmer, we know what’s the best thing for everyone but personal convenience can be a strong motivator. How good to hear an important message coming from our pupils, and what skill in presentation. I really liked the school bus they’d brought with them.
Our sports captains gave their end of Season 1 reports. All in all, a most successful season with footballers gaining medals whilst our cross-country runners and volleyball players gained plaudits and individual recognition. In describing their activities at the recent ISAA tournaments they were keen to stress their capacity to act proportionately, to ensure that not all energy was spent in the first rounds thus allowing for still greater endeavours as the finals approached. Congratulations to all who took part.
As we head to the end of term and grow slightly wearier it is important that our pupils heed the lessons learned as an Eco Rep or an athlete. They need to balance activities and ensure that they too are regulating themselves to ensure they are energetic enough to enjoy all the excitement that comes with the end of term and maintain levels of study at an appropriate level. They need to be balancing all of their activities and sleeping an appropriate amount. There will be a great deal of fun, a fair share of laughter and joy in what’s left of the term. Along the way it is an opportunity to learn the importance of phronesis, and with it the quiet satisfaction of having made the most of a busy and opportunity-laden term.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster
