3 ms·
> In these essays, I will show that the institutionalization of values leads inevitably to physical pollution, social polarization, and psychological impotence:
by snikeris 6y ago
> In these essays, I will show that the institutionalization of values leads inevitably to physical pollution, social polarization, and psychological impotence: three dimensions in a process of global degradation and modernized misery.
> Ivan Dominic Illich (/ɪˈvɑːn ˈɪlɪtʃ/; 4 September 1926 – 2 December 2002) was a Roman Catholic priest, theologian, philosopher, and social critic.
I wonder if his experience as a priest informed his commentary here.
Religions start from exceptional individuals who divine spiritual truth. They develop followers who recognize said truth. Over time, followers ossify into a church, which can be thought of as an institutionalization of spiritual values.
- throwawaygh 6y agoHis ministry work in Puerto Rico was particularly influential on his thinking about schooling and institutions more broadly. The famous "students instinctively know..." quote that's currently top-voted on this article is referring to the Puerto Rican youth he worked with as part of his work at Centro Intercultural de Documentación. I can't remember where I learned this; it might have been in one of his other books (perhaps Tools for Conviviality?) or in one of the audio recordings of him lecturing. It's kind of hard to read the last chapter of Deschooling without noticing he's an Italian priest...