On humility: I would describe humility as an open
confirmation of the intellect and spirit. At university, it supplants
arrogance, and may be experienced as the painful process of bringing clarity to
thought. Humility is cultivated when one
is willing to be prodded into discovering the essential nature of life’s
store. Humility is embodied when one is
willing to push back when explanations have been cheapened or abandoned
entirely. This is the foundation for
intellectual discourse. Humility, at a minimum,
accommodates philosophical differences.
On integrity: Recently, the University of Virginia
invited Dr. P.M. Forni to speak about civility in the workplace. His most compelling argument was that
civility is rooted in an empathic regard for others and ethics. Yes, civility
can be demonstrated in good manners, but it is ultimately evidenced in behavior
emanating from decisions rooted in integrity. Decisions rooted in integrity. Civility defines the social space in which
an exchange of ideas is possible. It
imbues those conversations with a distinguished synergy.
On bullying: Incivility, specifically bullying, on the other
hand, is the genesis of violence. It frequently requires collusion. It has been
known to rip institutions apart.
On the woodshed: Oh, how I long to wax about the woodshed
being the mother of one’s darker nature. I long to make this pretty. It is not. An icon of power over, the
woodshed is positioned on the perimeter of the landscape, just beyond the ornamentals. It is at once a warning and a
destination. It is menacing, even in the
repose of the gloaming.
UVa’s board of visitors, seemingly unhinged by philosophical
differences with President Teresa Sullivan coupled with a desire to flex its
collective muscle, escorted Sullivan to the woodshed sometime over the weekend
of June 9, 2012.
I am town and gown. As a staff member at the University of Virginia,
I have been seeking, for almost a week, a stabilizing force that includes a Jefferson quote and a pat on the back. At work, my tongue has been pressed to the
back of my teeth. As an alumna, I
struggle with the price of silence. Thankfully, my debt to the University’s
professoriate far outweighs my fear of the woodshed.
Even the most incisive Jefferson
quote does not seem dignified.
This is so nicely said and so much like you. It reminds me of those terrific sensibilities I saw in you so very long ago; wonderful to see they have matured and become so clear minded and real. This is a sad and troubling time for all of us who grew up around the University and made the effort to matriculate there. After more than thirty years in the academy and working with several presidents and boards, I don’t have much hope for the school to remain unscathed. I’m very troubled by this. I most certainly appreciate your pain and discomfort as a staff member and especially since your position and function is such a positive and hopeful one for so many.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the search for an appropriate Jeffersonian quote…I’d prefer Pema Chodron: “"If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher."