Antoni Benaiges, The Teacher Who Promised the Sea, is haunting me, after seeing the movie of his true life story! He of unwavering conviction and inspiration, a young teacher in Burgos, Spain, adopting a new technique of teaching and thinking, encouraging children first to be children. Learn by exploring what’s around them, singing and dancing and experiencing the magic of bringing their perceptions and personal stories to life on a tabletop printing press the students used in class.
Antoni pushed back hard against convention and authority, against the church and the Falangistas, vocally expressing his opinion and broadly advocating resistance. He led a life fully examined, filled with purpose, usefulness, and optimism. I’d like to think I know myself as well and would stand as strong for my convictions. But would I have been willing to pay the ultimate price in 1935, knowing the cost of my beliefs could be my life?
We shape our lives by having role models and good examples. He was certainly one…well done Rich. Living an examined life is essential!
Thanks for sharing. Well written from my standpoint. There may come a day where any or all of us may have to take a stand for our convictions. I will leave one thought that all of us will need to consider….Life has many choices……eternity has two!