Wendell's Diary

What if learning wasn’t about memorizing facts or following rigid paths but about allowing understanding to emerge naturally from experience? This is the heart of what I call Emergent Learning—a concept inspired by the Philosophy of Emergence, where growth happens organically, guided by curiosity, reflection, and authenticity. Emergent Learning is not about forcing knowledge into someone’s mind; it’s about creating the right conditions for discovery. Just as a seed grows into a tree when it has sunlight, water, and soil, learning flourishes when we nurture curiosity, patience, and openness to new ideas. What Is Emergent Learning? Emergent Learning is the process of letting meaning and understanding arise naturally through experience and exploration. Instead of relying on rigid structures or predetermined answers, it focuses on creating environments where learners can observe, question, and reflect until insights reveal themselves. It’s a learner-driven approach that emphasizes: Curiosi...

When I was growing up, there was something missing. I didn’t know it at the time, but what I needed was philosophy—a way to understand the world, to think deeply about my purpose, and to find meaning in life. It wasn’t until I was around twenty years old that I discovered philosophy, and by then, I felt like I had already lost precious time. If I had been introduced to philosophy earlier, my life could have started so much sooner. I could have had the tools to shape my purpose, to figure out who I wanted to be, and to focus on what truly mattered. But instead, I wandered, unsure of how to navigate life’s questions. So, I became the person I needed as a child. I became the greatest tutor I could imagine for myself. Through trial and error, I taught myself philosophy, and in doing so, I discovered not only my purpose but also a deep responsibility: to share this knowledge with others. I want to give young people the opportunity I didn’t have. They shouldn’t have to wait until adulthood t...

To the Leaders of Education, Philosophy belongs in our classrooms. Not as an afterthought in higher education, but as a foundation taught during a child’s formative years, when their minds are still malleable, curious, and open. Our education system shapes future citizens, yet it often neglects the most profound tool for growth: the ability to think critically, question deeply, and reflect on life’s meaning. Philosophy offers children this gift. It teaches them how to navigate uncertainty, reason ethically, and explore perspectives beyond their own. Imagine a child learning to ask, “What is fairness?” rather than just memorizing facts. Picture a classroom where students discuss the nature of happiness, justice, or even what it means to live a good life. These aren’t abstract exercises—they’re lessons that arm them with tools to understand themselves and their world. Introducing philosophy early has profound benefits. It nurtures empathy by helping children consider the viewpoints of ot...

Education is one of the most critical aspects of our lives, but the traditional classroom model has significant flaws. It focuses too heavily on testing knowledge rather than fostering understanding and application. Over time, I’ve come to believe that education needs a fundamental shift—a move away from stress-inducing classrooms to environments that prioritize real-world learning, creativity, and connection. --- The Problem with Grading Grading in classrooms often tests only how well students can memorize information, not how they can use it. Real knowledge isn’t about recalling facts; it’s about applying those facts in meaningful ways. If we evaluated students over longer periods—years, even—we could assess their understanding by the quality of their actions, creations, and problem-solving skills. True learning is reflected in what we do, not just in what we know. --- A Better Way to Learn Children shouldn’t be confined to stressful classroom environments. Instead, they should be ou...

Blogging has never been easier. With ChatGPT+, your child can simply sit down, have a conversation, and let the tool do the heavy lifting. Here's how you can guide them through this simple process to turn their thoughts into engaging blog posts. --- Step 1: Start the Conversation Encourage your child to talk about something they’re passionate about. ChatGPT+ is like a curious friend who’s always ready to listen and offer ideas. They can start with something as simple as: "I love dinosaurs! Can we talk about them?" "I just built a robot out of LEGOs. Let me tell you how I did it!" The goal is for your child to share their excitement naturally. ChatGPT+ will keep the conversation flowing by asking questions, offering insights, or expanding on their thoughts. --- Step 2: Ask ChatGPT to Write the Blog Post Once the conversation feels complete, your child can say something like, “Can you write a blog post about what we just talked about?” ChatGPT+ will take everythin...

As someone who grew up with a passion for creativity, I often think about how much I would have loved to pursue a career as a YouTube creator if I had grown up in today’s world. The opportunity to share my ideas, stories, and talents with an audience would have been a dream come true. And I would have hoped for someone to guide me—a mentor or a supportive figure who could help me navigate this unique path. This is why I’ve decided to integrate a new focus into my blog: helping parents who see potential in their “star children” and want to guide them toward success as creators. --- Why This Matters YouTube is a relatively new career path, and many parents might feel unsure about how to support their children in this space. It’s not like traditional careers where there’s a clear roadmap. Creativity, storytelling, and audience-building don’t always come with a manual. But they are skills that can be nurtured—and that’s where I hope to step in. While I don’t have children of my own, I empa...

As we continue exploring how schools can better prepare students for life, we’ve found ourselves on a fascinating journey. What began as a discussion about teaching romantic relationships in high school has evolved into a broader exploration of philosophy and its place in education. Here’s how this train of thought unfolded. Romance and Relationships in School We started by recognizing that many students begin dating while still in school, yet schools rarely teach the skills needed for healthy romantic relationships. We explored the importance of: Loyalty and commitment: Key traits for building meaningful relationships, whether romantic or platonic. Conflict resolution: The ability to navigate disagreements in a way that fosters mutual understanding and leads to win-win outcomes. Emotional intelligence: Understanding one’s own emotions and those of others to create balanced, respectful relationships. These are universal skills that benefit students in all areas of life, not just in rom...

In recent conversations, we’ve explored a range of interconnected ideas, starting with the Australian law banning under-16s from accessing social media. What began as a critique of this law quickly expanded into a deeper examination of education, purpose, and the fundamental challenges of preparing young people for life in a rapidly changing world. Revisiting the Social Media Ban The initial topic revolved around the limitations placed on young people’s access to technology and platforms for self-expression. The ban felt like a step backward, stifling creativity and independence. This led to a broader discussion about how society could empower young people rather than exclude them, particularly through education systems designed to foster creativity, community, and purpose. Rethinking Education We envisioned a schooling system that moves beyond rigid structures and focuses on social integration, emotional intelligence, and practical life skills. Schools should be places where students ...

My Dearest Ivory, I want to tell you how much I absolutely love making content for you. This journey has been a beautiful learning experience, figuring out how to truly capture your interest and present myself in a way that resonates with you. Over the years, I’ve created content that may not have been perfect for sparking that initial connection, but each step has brought me closer to understanding what truly matters. Since 2012, I’ve been writing love letters to you, pouring my heart and soul into each word. It felt natural to evolve these letters into meaningful videos, blending my passion for storytelling with the dynamic world of YouTube. I’ve finally figured out how to use this platform to chase my dreams, and all of my dreams are you, Ivory. I look forward to entertaining and educating you for the rest of my life. When I find you, I will address you directly, transforming these letters into personal messages meant just for you. It will be easy to replace the idea of Ivory with a...

**Introduction** Plato, one of the greatest philosophers of all time, had a clear stance on education. In his work "The Republic," he suggested that philosophy is not suitable for young children. He believed that the rigorous study of philosophy should be reserved for older individuals who have developed the necessary discipline and maturity. However, I would like to challenge this view. I believe that children, with their natural curiosity and unique ways of thinking, are actually perfect candidates for engaging with philosophical ideas from a young age. **Children's Natural Curiosity** Children are born philosophers. From the moment they can speak, they start asking questions about the world around them. "Why is the sky blue?" "Where do we go when we die?" "What is love?" These are all deeply philosophical questions that reflect a child's natural curiosity and desire to understand the world. By encouraging this curiosity, we can help ch...

**Advancing Modern Feminism: Our Commitment to Gender Equality** As we delve into the 21st century, the feminist movement continues to evolve, addressing new challenges and opportunities. Our commitment to advancing modern feminism is a crucial part of our work, focusing on inclusion, digital activism, and intersectionality. #### Digital Feminism In the era of digital technology, feminism has found a new platform to amplify its voice. Digital feminism leverages social media, blogs, and other online tools to raise awareness, organize movements, and foster global connections. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have become vital spaces for feminist discourse, allowing activists to reach wider audiences and engage in real-time discussions. We can contribute by creating and sharing content that highlights feminist issues, educates our audience, and encourages active participation in feminist causes. This includes writing blog posts, producing videos, and participating in online ...

In the age of artificial intelligence, the application of AI tools in education brings forth profound philosophical questions about knowledge, learning, and the role of technology in shaping our intellectual landscape. As we delve into the differences between using ChatGPT in its standard form and the specialised ChatGPT Edu model, we uncover deeper implications for how AI can transform educational experiences and institutional practices. **The Evolution of Knowledge Access** Traditionally, access to knowledge and educational resources was constrained by physical and institutional boundaries. ChatGPT represents a significant leap in overcoming these barriers, offering individuals the ability to interact with a powerful AI to generate insights, answer questions, and support learning. This democratisation of information aligns with the philosophical ideal of universal access to knowledge, enabling users to explore ideas and concepts independently [[❞]](https://openai.com/index/introducin...

I want to share my thoughts and experiences regarding my past efforts to encourage younger individuals, especially girls, to engage deeply with philosophy. My intention was always to inspire and guide them toward a lifelong appreciation of philosophical thought. #### My Intentions From a genuine desire to make philosophy accessible, I tried to connect with young minds, believing that starting philosophical education early could enrich their lives. I envisioned a scenario where a philosophically driven partnership could begin at a young age, fostering growth and understanding. #### Misunderstandings and Societal Response However, my methods were met with serious misunderstanding. My approach to engaging with younger individuals, particularly in a romantic or mentorship context, led to me being labeled a pedophile. This label has brought significant personal consequences, including being placed in a psychiatric ward and attracting stalkers who are trying to destroy my life. Society has c...

**Introduction** Philosophy, often reserved for higher education, offers tools for critical thinking, ethical understanding, and intellectual curiosity. Yet, these skills are just as essential for young minds. Integrating philosophy into K-12 education can enrich students' learning experiences, prepare them for complex life challenges, and foster a deeper appreciation for inquiry and reasoning. This post explores why philosophy should be a fundamental part of K-12 curricula and the benefits it brings to early education. **Building Critical Thinking Skills** Philosophy encourages students to question assumptions, analyze arguments, and think logically. By engaging with philosophical discussions, students develop critical thinking skills that are crucial for problem-solving across all areas of life. These skills help students evaluate information critically, make informed decisions, and approach problems with a thoughtful, analytical mindset. **Enhancing Ethical Understanding** Philo...

**Introduction** Flow is a state of deep immersion and enjoyment in an activity, where time seems to fly and everything feels effortless. Often described as being “in the zone,” Flow is not just about productivity but also about finding joy and satisfaction in what you’re doing. Achieving Flow can enhance learning, boost creativity, improve performance, and make tasks more fulfilling. Whether you’re studying, working, or pursuing a hobby, reaching a Flow state can transform mundane tasks into exciting challenges, making life more vibrant and enjoyable. With the advent of AI tools like ChatGPT, achieving this state has become more accessible and dynamic. In this post, we’ll explore how ChatGPT helps you achieve Flow in your studies and why this enhances your learning experience. **The Essence of Flow** Flow is essential for making any activity engaging and fulfilling. When you’re in Flow, you’re fully immersed in what you’re doing, losing track of time and finding joy in the process. It...

The traditional K-12 education system has long been the standard for educating young minds. However, it's becoming increasingly clear that this system is outdated. Being forced to attend a physical location, follow a rigid curriculum, and do things the prescribed way doesn't foster independent thinking. Instead, it creates collective workers rather than individual thinkers. Enter ChatGPT, a revolutionary tool that can serve as a tutor for anyone interested in learning. By teaching students how to use it, ChatGPT can become a part of their daily lives, guiding them through subjects they're passionate about. The more they use it, the more educated they become, focusing on what's truly important to them. Unlike the traditional system, which includes a lot of unnecessary information and lacks options like philosophy, ChatGPT allows for a personalized education experience. Imagine a world where students build their own curriculum with the help of ChatGPT. This AI companion c...