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| | --- Reply above this line to comment on this post --- Who says academics never hit the gym? Nicole Crawford’s Masters degree in Philosophy just means she’s given deeper consideration to the benefits of doing a body good, and while the brainiac in your life may still spend more time explaining why one shouldn’t take quotes out of context than it would have taken to walk a few miles on the treadmill, it doesn’t mean you can’t give these the old college try. LESSON 1: Get moving! Exercise is beneficial for human longevity. "Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." (Plato) Poor Plato is often characterized as being overly concerned with what we might call spiritual or intellectual things. However, if you read the Republic you will note a consistent tendency to prioritize movement, particularly during childhood. I find it interesting that Plato praises “methodical physical exercise” in this particular quote. This demonstrates not only a concern for movement but also for a more methodical approach to physical activity. LESSON 2: Activity is fundamental to authentic education. "In every school a gymnasium, or place for physical exercise, should be established for the children. This much-neglected provision is, in my opinion, the most important part of education, not only for the purpose of forming robust and healthy physiques, but even more for moral purposes, which are either neglected or else sought only through a mass of vain and pedantic precepts which are simply a waste of breath." (Jean-Jacques Rousseau) Physical activity is a crucial aspect of education. This is what I loved about the book Ignite!, which proposes a movement-centered approach to learning. As Rousseau points out here, not only does exercise contribute to strength and physical development, but it also builds character and encourages good ethical qualities like sportsmanship and cooperation. Full story at Breaking Muscle. Staying healthy in body and mind. Photo credit: Fotolia | | | |
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