A5001.5.RB_DavisCarl

On the topic of Intellectual Perseverance:

As I begin the multi-year journey to earn a Master's degree, perseverance is something that I will need to have in abundance.

Let's talk about the Intellectual Perseverance definition as a valuable intellectual trait Intellectual Perseverance (June 1996) in Valuable Intellectual Virtues Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/valuable-intellectual-traits/528 

Having a consciousness of the need to use intellectual insights and truths in spite of difficulties, obstacles, and frustrations; firm adherence to rational principles despite the irrational opposition of others; a sense of the need to struggle with confusion and unsettled questions over an extended period of time to achieve deeper understanding or insight.

In other words, having the mental toughness to continue to search for understanding and learning through the trials and tribulations one is sure to face in an endeavor of this magnitude. Pressing on to the goal, realizing that when I stretch and occasionally hurt I am doing real learning, which is the meaning of the definition. Like athletes embracing muscle pain as a sign of a good workout, I should learn to appreciate moments of intellectual struggle and seek them out. The marathon begins!

An example of intellectual perseverance would be the story of Galileo Galilei. As you’ll recall, Galileo was convinced that his studies proved that the Earth was not the center of the universe. He was sent before the Roman Inquisition in 1632 and his ideas were declared heresy. He continued his works while under house arrest and is known as the father of modern physics. He faced far greater threats and stresses than a Master’s student will, but he’s an excellent example of ‘firm adherence to rational principles despite the irrational opposition of others.’

Intellectual perseverance could be envisioned by comparing it to the remodeling and expanding a house. I will approach the courses with a foundation and a framework made of previous experiences and education. As I progress through each course, I will have some anchor points to build on. However, there will likely be many situations where I need to create new ideas and build upon them. The construction of those new thoughts will often make me stretch to the point of being uncomfortable. There will be occasions where I am faced with the fact that my earlier constructs may have been erroneous or altogether wrong. Actual pain could be felt from the finding that something I held as a truth was in fact incorrect; the ‘tearing down of long used frameworks’, as it were. Through all of those circumstances, the need to press on through to get to the answers must pervade. Outside forces, in the form of my family, job, and overarching responsibilities could form obstacles to my build plan. Uncertainty and lapses of confidence are certain to creep in occasionally and give me pause. Through it all, I must keep the plan of what this impressive new home is going to be at graduation. The finish needs to be the focus.

I would add that when I earn my Master’s and graduate, the house will still need maintenance and even further additions and remodels.

A doctorate?

To be continued…