Three teachers I had the privilege of studying under stand out as having made the greatest impact on my thinking about the concept of truth.
Mr. Kruzan, my humanities teacher in high school, instilled in me a sense of wonder and curiosity and a passion for art, history, and an appreciation for people and cultures different than mine. His influence led to my love for both philosophy and music. He made learning fun. Education to him wasn’t just stats and data: it was an adventure, a journey of discovery. He showed me just how big the world is and how tiny I am in comparison. He dared his students to dream and explore.
Dr. Stark, the philosophy professor at the community college I attended, inspired me to think critically, push aside my prejudices, ask pertinent questions, subject any and all truth claims to the test of rational scrutiny and criticism, and seek after the truth without compromise. He dared his students to question and apply logic and reason.
Dr. Burlington, who taught world religions and humanities classes at the Christian college I attended, encouraged a truth-seeking mentality comprised of compassion towards those who adhere to different beliefs, as well as a desire to understand both what other people believe and why they hold such beliefs, in the hope that perhaps we can learn from one another, understanding that none of us has found all the answers to the big questions about “life, the universe, and everything.” He dared his students to listen empathically and practice grace.
Because of their teachings, I have devoted my life to a pilgrimage towards truth.
Continue reading “The Path is the Goal”
