Visionary Society

“A great library cannot be entered by one of refinement in thought and aspiration without a certain feeling of awe. Surrounded by the productions of genius, the elegance of art, the delights of the mind, it is but natural that in the quiet, silent library, reverence should possess the soul.” Richard Skinner, November 1861

Reach the heart of any topic

– Grasp this issue deeply.
– Find what is valid or insightful about each perspective.
– Is there a way that changes assumptions, that all sides can agree with, and that works at the heart level?

Mystery

What is true about each perspective, and how can we bring these together to understand the best meaning of a public library?

Perspectives & Resources

Perspectives are short paragraphs summarizing any point of view about the Topic. Explore each View and then vote on it.
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Michael Benson

"Libraries represent the power of knowledge"

Your response:

Reach the Heart of a Perspective

Topic: What is the purpose of public libraries?

Libraries represent the power of knowledge

“Knowledge is power, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power that knowledge gives.” Thomas Jefferson

Libraries, to me, represent the power of knowledge. Within them are held the collective wisdom of those who have both shaped and transformed the world in which we live from scientists, to activists, to philosophers, to religionists.

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How to Explore a Perspective

Relax, focus. Take a step back and look at the Perspective from all sides. Now, zero in at the center!

What is the Bias?
What assumptions does it make? Whose interests does it serve?

What is your Personal Experience?
How does it make you feel? How do your experiences, privileges, and personal interests affect your understanding of it?

Now, enter the heart

▶ Say something good about what you disagree with, even if there are flaws.

▶ Find causes, not symptoms. Ask what lies at the root.

▶ Have respect for people with different views, insights, and priorities!

Opinion added by
Visionary {name_l}
on April 29, 2018

This is the opinion of Michael Benson

Recommended Resources (Review before voting)

To Restore Civil Society, Start With the Library (Link)

NYT, Sep 8 2018

Libraries stand for and exemplify something that needs defending: the public institutions that — even in an age of atomization, polarization and inequality — serve as the bedrock of civil society.

Other Resources

The Meaning of Libraries (Link)

Huff Post, 12/09/2013

Conclusion

Ask the impossible question!

What is most important – and true – about each perspective, especially those you disagree with? Taking all this into account, what do you think is most important about libraries?

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