#diverse learning experiences

[nightswatchdisbandmentera]

“Dead. He’s dead.”

“No.” The eunuch’s voice seemed deeper. “He is here. Aegon has been shaped for rule since before he could walk. He has been trained in arms, as befits a knight to be, but that was not the end of his education. He reads and writes, he speaks several tongues, he has studied history and law and poetry. A septa has instructed him in the mysteries of the Faith since he was old enough to understand them. He has lived with fisherfolk, worked with his hands, swum in rivers and mended nets and learned to wash his own clothes at need. He can fish and cook and bind up a wound, he knows what it is like to be hungry, to be hunted, to be afraid. Tommen has been taught that kingship is his right. Aegon knows that kingship is his duty, that a king must put his people first, and live and rule for them.”

(ADWD Epilogue)

Varys’ words to Kevan Lannister about Prince Aegon are so interesting because of the overarching insinuation that the boy has had a slew of advisors and teachers who have carefully and extensively prepared him for the task of ruling. His listed examples to that point are rather peculiar, however: a knight to train him in arms, a septa to train him in the faith, and various tutors to train him in history and languages.

Now there’s nothing inherently wrong about Aegon’s educators but one has to ask, what do these people even know about actual ruling? What have they seen about the nature of ruling and the nitty gritty of it? What experience do they have? And if they themselves don’t really know what it means to rule, what does that say of their young prince’s education?

It’s an important question to ask when we consider Aegon’s narrative foil: Jon Snow. Jon does not have the expectation of ruling. In fact, as a bastard, he knows that he can never ever get a lordship let alone a crown/throne. Yet Jon has, unlike Aegon, a crew of experienced tutors who have shown him the nitty gritty of ruling. Every single one of his on-page mentors is either a ruler or a leader of men; in addition to the other tutors he had growing up.

So I wanted to take a look at Jon’s mentors and the positions they have held to contrast their experience (and thus the validity of the lessons that they give Jon) as opposed to the lack of experience in Aegon’s crew.

Ned Stark - Jon’s first and (arguably) most impactful mentor. While teaching Jon important lessons about rulership, he was serving as the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North; thus making him one of the most powerful men in the entire realm. He then went on to serve as Hand of the King - the most powerful official save for the king. The irony is that Ned didn’t teach Jon as a successor. Robb was the one meant to succeed him. Yet Jon absorbed his lessons all the same.

Benjen Stark - we don’t actually see much on-page mentorship from Benjen, yet he still is one of Jon’s many father figures in the series. He is a a man of the Night’s Watch so he is sworn to hold no lands or titles. Yet as First Ranger, he is undoubtedly one for he highest ranking officials in the Watch and potentially a skilled warrior. He takes on the role of the knight or leader of men among Jon’s teachers.

Tyrion Lannister - despite being an ‘outsider’, Tyrion comes to hold considerable power. He is an exceedingly learned and intelligent man and managed to impart important life lessons during his short time with Jon. He rises to become Hand of the King and later Master of Coin. Though he doesn’t actively teach Jon how to rule, he’s still an important part of Jon’s character development.

Maester Aemon - one of the anomalies in this list. Yet his impact on Jon’s life cannot be understated. He is a teacher to Jon; we have various references to Jon going to Aemon for advice on how to lead. Aemon also gives Jon advice meant for kings: “kill the boy and let the man be born”. What makes Aemon an interesting addition is that he is a would-be king. And an interesting contrast between Jon and Aegon is that both parallel Aegon V; Jon more organically, Aegon rather artificially. If we remember, Aegon V was a hidden prince who ultimately became king. This is the very same trope that Jon and Prince Aegon are following. And it’s interesting that Aemon, Aegon V’s brother, gives advice on governance to Jon; the same advice given to the unlikely king. So it’s Jon who is carrying the torch of kingship from Aegon V, not Young Griff.

Jeor Mormont - one of the most direct mentors in Jon’s arc. Not only is he a surrogate father to Jon, he does what Ned never did: he directly grooms Jon to be his heir. Jon gets to watch Jeor actually govern the NW as his steward but it’s interesting that he shadows the LC through servitude. Though Jon is intended to succeed the Old Bear, he has to humble himself; he has to follow before he can lead. It’s a contrast to Aegon who would hold power over most (if not all) of his tutors.

Donal Noye - the other anomaly save for Maester Aemon. He is a humble Blacksmith. Yet he has been in the service of kings (having served the Baratheon boys who would all end up as kings). He plays an important role in bringing Jon’s ego back to earth and helping him sympathize with those less fortunate than himself. Despite his humble origins, he does briefly take command of the Wall during Mance Rayder’s attack and then transfers that command to Jon, purely because he believed in Jon’s ability to lead (and he was right).

Qhorin Halfhand - another who takes on the role of a skilled master at arms for Jon. He is an undoubtably powerful warrior. But he is also a leader of men. He teaches Jon important lessons on leadership during their time together beyond the Wall - e.g., to lead your men you must first know them. And in true ‘fridged mentor’ fashion, Qhorin dies so the young prince can take over and grow as a leader.

Mance Rayder - the King Beyond the Wall and one of the most important leaders in the books despite spending all his time in the North. Mance’s role as a mentor for Jon is doubly important given that he also takes on the role as a Rhaegar proxy. Despite Jon coming to him as an (undercover) enemy, he’s still able to impart powerful lessons on how to command an army and wrangle support from different factions of men. Jon learns a lot about diplomacy from observing and being under the KBTW. Mance is a skilled warrior, commander, and politician. A charismatic and gifted man - the picture perfect king for Jon to emulate.

Tormund Giantsbane - a leader of the freefolk who rises to become an unlikely ally for Jon. A skilled warrior and proven leader (we know that he took charge of a couple of thousand of freefolk), Tormund becomes important when there’s a transfer of power from Mance to Jon as leader of the freefolk.

Stannis Baratheon - by law, he is the rightful king of the seven kingdoms. According to prophecy, as Melisandre says, he is the promised messiah. Despite a less than ideal personality, he’s still an important part of Jon’s political arc in ADWD. Arguably a man of immense administrative potential, Stannis is also one of the most successful military commanders in the series; which is great for Jon since he also learned from Ned, who ran an undefeated streak as a battle commander.

The total count now comes to: two kings, two Hands of the King, a ruling lord, three warriors, one wise maester (who has counseled a king), and one commander. That quite a resume for Jon. All these men have some experience leading men and commanding armies, however big or small. So Jon’s preparation has been quite thorough.

What a stark contrast between the two boys, then. Varys’ words give us a roadmap of a “perfect ruler” (or as perfect as one can be) yet when we actually take the time to examine what we see in the text, Aegon is not at all suited for that role - Jon is. In fact, not a single character in ASOIAF has had the intensive preparation to rule that Jon has.

It’s beautiful irony. The prince, the one promised to rule, is actually quote underprepared for the task of it. Meanwhile the bastard, who is at best promised a life of servitude, is the one with the most preparation (and experience) for rulership. It’s the way Aegon, as a narrative foil to Jon, acts as one who validates Jon’s journey. There are certain things needed of a ruler. Jon has them, Aegon doesn’t.

Winds isn’t out yet so we don’t yet know for certain where these two boys will end up. But I’m almost sure that young Prince Aegon is doomed and though he may hold the throne for a while, he will not be the king at the end of the story. And it just might be his inexperience that ultimately dooms him. So what does that say for Jon then? Aegon can’t hold the throne as he’s unprepared for it, but what about Jon who is?

[blackbackedjackal]

your care for coyotes is so cool and inspiring ♥️

[redysetdare]

Some parts of the aro community have become incredibly hostile towards anyone who is ace in any way and it's disturbing to see.

[thermodynamic-comedian]

never trust a motherfucker who refuses to engage with/create content that doesn't center their own identity. if you think that lesbians should only ever make content about lesbians because everything else is fetishization, i need you to reflect and fix something fundamental about yourself before you even try to talk to any other queer person in real life.

[thawthebeez]

university application site asking me my sexuality. what the fuck do i say

[stepseduworldblog]

Unlocking Opportunities: How a Trusted Education & Career Coach Facilitates Study in the UK

In the vibrant city of Dubai, where innovation meets tradition, the journey of Trusted Education & Career Coaches and consultants unfolds with promising opportunities and transformative innovations. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for education and business, students in the region are witnessing a dynamic evolution in the way they learn, explore career paths, and prepare for the future. In this blog post, we delve into the multifaceted aspects of education and career opportunities for Dubai students, from emerging trends in learning to the diverse pathways in the professional realm.

Virtual Reality Classrooms: Stepping into Tomorrow

Imagine students donning VR headsets, transported to ancient civilizations or exploring molecular structures up close. Virtual reality classrooms are revolutionizing learning, turning textbooks into immersive experiences. In Dubai, where innovation is a way of life, VR classrooms are poised to reshape traditional learning paradigms.

One of the defining characteristics of modern education in Dubai is the integration of cutting-edge technologies that enhance learning experiences. Virtual reality (VR) classrooms have emerged as a game-changer, offering students immersive and interactive environments that transcend traditional teaching methods. Imagine a history lesson where students can virtually visit ancient civilizations or a science class where they explore complex molecular structures up close. VR classrooms not only make learning engaging but also foster deeper understanding and retention of concepts.

[bitsofsciencelife]

As I'm no longer teen/very early adulthood queer, sometimes I feel a bit alienated from this community on Tumblr. And I think a big part of it is because it's very, very centralized on LGBTQ+ labels and online discourse. Nothing wrong with that! I'm happy for you guys. But it doesn't work for me anymore. I just grabbed what worked for me about labels and ran with it into my real life and never looked back.

I think this is because I heard an older (trans & bi) creator say once, you need to take your queerness into the real world, too; label theory and online communities can be great (and sometimes is the only safe space you have), but ultimately forming a queer community in your real life, experiencing queer love, queer friendships, queer existence, having a support system, etc., will be so much more relevant. And that often comes with age.

Maybe it's because the more I live, I see less and less the clear edges of labels. It's really a spectrum all around, and it overlaps and interacts with other spectrums of life. Maybe clear-cut labels have been life-saving for you (they were for me at one point, too), or you just like them. They've been an amazing step and tool in the historical queer fight, self-expression, and identity! But being so focused on what labels to use or exist is no longer useful for me. I use them because it's easier to present yourself to society with them, but they don't explain your experience fully. Indeed, starting to actually live my queer life instead of simply figuring it out inside myself has been so much fuller. Like I accepted and figured it out, but now I am just living as I am, no longer repressing part of myself, and also no longer overthinking it too much.

Maybe it's not the same case for everyone, and I don't really know where I'm going with this. It's just something that's been on my mind.

[bahadurislam011444]

Unveiling the Best SEO Worker in Bangladesh: Driving Digital Success

[merriclo]

went to see the barbie movie a few days ago and hm. weird

[aftout]

Reading American Gods is like taking a peek into the world’s most toxic and doomed found family trope ever written, where everyone wants you dead but won’t let anyone outside of that lay as much as a fingertip on you. And every single time you go yayyyyy!

[unagrancantidaddepanes]

whatever language i write in the tags of posts is a complete gamble between spanish english and french and and it is entierly dependent on which language im thinking in at the time and how cringe i feel in that moment about not speaking english in tags of (normally) posts by english speakers lol also one day i will be strong enough to throw japanese into the mix, god bless

[omegaphilosophia]

Rethinking Belief: The Rationality of Questioning Religious Convictions

In the vast tapestry of human existence, the quest for answers about the nature of life and the universe has given rise to diverse religious beliefs. However, in this blog post, we embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the rationality behind questioning religious convictions. By acknowledging the fallibility of human experience and our susceptibility to error and manipulation, we challenge the notion of absolute certainty in religious beliefs and advocate for a more open and critical approach to matters of faith.

The Imperfect Nature of Human Experience: As imperfect beings, our understanding of the world is shaped by our limited perspective and the inherent biases that color our perceptions. Our beliefs are influenced by cultural, societal, and personal factors, and are susceptible to errors in judgment. Recognizing the fallibility of human experience compels us to approach religious claims with a healthy dose of skepticism and humility.

The Power of Indoctrination and Manipulation: Throughout history, religious institutions and leaders have wielded significant influence over their followers. The power dynamics inherent in religious structures can sometimes lead to manipulation, coercion, and the perpetuation of beliefs without critical examination. Understanding these dynamics highlights the importance of questioning religious convictions and examining them from an independent and critical standpoint.

The Uniqueness of the Present Moment: As each generation embarks on the journey of life, we encounter new perspectives, knowledge, and insights that challenge long-held beliefs. This unique vantage point invites us to reassess inherited religious beliefs and encourages a more open-minded approach to the questions of existence. Embracing the notion that this is the first time we are living life prompts us to question inherited traditions and explore alternative interpretations.

The Multitude of Religious Beliefs: The vast diversity of religious beliefs and practices across cultures and throughout history raises important questions about the nature of truth and the exclusivity of religious claims. The existence of numerous conflicting religious doctrines suggests that absolute certainty in any one belief system may be unwarranted. Embracing a spirit of intellectual curiosity and openness allows for a deeper exploration of the rich tapestry of human spirituality.

The Role of Rational Inquiry: Rationality and critical thinking are essential tools for navigating complex questions of faith. Engaging in thoughtful inquiry, examining evidence, and evaluating arguments with a skeptical yet open mind allows us to make more informed and reasoned judgments. Rational inquiry challenges us to question inherited beliefs, seek evidence, and explore alternative explanations, ultimately leading to personal growth and a more nuanced understanding of the world.

Questioning religious convictions in light of the fallibility of human experience and the potential for manipulation is an intellectually honest and rational endeavor. Embracing a spirit of skepticism, humility, and intellectual curiosity allows us to transcend the limitations of our beliefs and engage in a more nuanced exploration of the existential questions that shape our lives. By adopting a critical approach to religious claims, we open ourselves to a richer tapestry of possibilities, fostering personal growth, and cultivating a deeper understanding of our shared human journey

[dkettchen]

"We can't expect skilled people to just appear [...]" no shit sherlock

[openmind12]

An open mind is a state of being receptive to new ideas and perspectives, without allowing preconceived notions or biases to hinder one's ability to learn and grow. It is a mindset that is essential for personal development, intellectual curiosity, and progress in society.

One of the most significant benefits of having an open mind is the ability to learn and expand one's knowledge base. When we have an open mind, we are receptive to new information and ideas, even if they challenge our current beliefs. This openness allows us to broaden our perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Furthermore, having an open mind fosters creativity and innovation. When we are not constrained by preconceived notions or biases, we are free to think outside of the box and come up with new and original ideas. This mindset is particularly important in fields such as science and technology, where innovation is essential for progress.

An open mind also allows us to communicate and collaborate effectively with others. When we are receptive to different perspectives, we can engage in meaningful discussions and work together to solve problems. This type of collaboration is crucial in creating a more equitable and inclusive society, where diverse viewpoints are valued and respected.

On the other hand, a closed mind can be detrimental to personal growth and progress. When we are closed-minded, we are resistant to change and may reject new ideas without giving them a fair chance. This type of mindset can lead to ignorance, intolerance, and stagnation.

In conclusion, having an open mind is essential for personal and societal growth. It allows us to learn, create, and collaborate effectively, while also promoting tolerance and inclusivity. As individuals, we can cultivate an open mind by being receptive to new ideas and perspectives, challenging our biases, and engaging in respectful discussions with others.

[cruelsister-moved2]

i dont wanna be this person but im just saying like the first thing isnt actually bad outside of the context of like a fundamentalist theocracy where they want private schools in order to like not teach about evolution or whatever.. it just kind of rubs me the wrong way seeing this as #1 for many reasons but like in a christian dominant society most secular education IS implicitly christian and like a supportive environment & education about their background etc has proven positive outcomes for religious minority children ..and if those schools are going to exist anyway then requiring them to be privately funded and thus fee-paying is like, denying the privilege to those who need it most.  lots of like very normal well-adjusted people choose to send their kids to faith schools for allll kinds of reasons including stuff like, to not get bullied for being jewish or not to have to worry about accessing halal school meals. and im sure that this legislation will not be used to fund any religious minority schools any time soon so like to present this as though the concept of publicly funded faith schools is inherently as bad as denying medical care to prisoners, rather than like emphasising that its another element in the specific right wing christian information control machine, is like................ why are we doing that .........also i have to say the worst thing you can do if you want to prevent like corruption in religious schools or w/e is make them private & fee paying whereas a state religious school is required to equip its students with all the same learning and skills and experiences etc as a secular school but just from within a faith background so its like um tbh id rather the government pays to fund a school where they sing hymns in assembly sometimes than like let the mormons set up a boarding school or something. disclaimer this is coming from a UK background and our school system is kind of specific esp wrt private schools so like there might be intricacies between the US and UK systems that differ but my point is ultimately that 1. faith schools SHOULD be publicly funded and 2. painting faith schools inherently as like part of a fascist nightmarescape is a little unfair to the huge benefits they do provide to minority religious children, who are incidentally not going to benefit from this legislation i imagine

[pensivetense]

I saw a post and it and (mostly) its comment section annoyed me and now I shall vague about it, sorry