I believe it was Bostonian John Adams who said :
There are two types of education..... one should teach us how to make a living. And the other how to live.
Logical and right, yet I sometimes think we lose focus of both of these facets of education. I recently had a chance to go meet up with a good friend residing in the city of Boston I took a week to see what the place is all about and visit with someone with whom I've managed to build a very special friendship. Good talks were had, wonderful people met, and amazing food eaten so no complaints.
Boston is home to scholarly giants Harvard and MIT. The two campuses are right next to one another and across the river from another large educational center Boston University. I love being around educational facilities like these- they instill in me the feeling of endless possibilities - so much knowledge and so many knowledgeable people - and usually a young feel -if not in body at least in spirit. My friend is acctually attending one of these prestegious institutes working on her PhD * Harvard- Immunology. As such I was permitted a tour of incredible reasearch facilities and got to talk about what it is to be a part of these programs and departments.
Intense is the first word that comes to mind. Very intense. It seems as though many that get into programs here have managed to combine the how to make a living with how they live to a degree that seems beyond my comprehension. Life is devoted to study, practice and research. It wouldn't be my choice of lifestyle (obviously I'm not in the program) but it seems a nobel persuit and kudos to those willing to tread such a path. I'm not sure I would cut it. Loads of very knowlegeable people, all very good at playing the academic game.
I find my interests a bit broader. Not dumb I think, but not as focused or as good at said game. While not as speciallized or specific I think there is something to be said for being multifaceted. Maybe i'm just trying to make excuses though, for not being at that level.....meh.... i think not.
All in all I really enjoyed Boston. Youthful energy in an older style american metropolis. Fredrick Olmstead- hailed as the first american landscape architect designed the city with numerous green swaths and centralized parks. His sons were responsible for much of the design of green space in the Pacific Northwest ie: Seattle. The style seemed familiar.
The green space together with the myriad of historic monuments and buildings and the scholarly giants give the city a great feel. The north eastern weather with full seasons (including a real winter with snow!) and coastal local also endeared the city to me. I'm sure it being the Holiday season also helped.
