A Manifestito of The Burning Mind Project

A wise man once said:

There’s nothing very high about “higher education” unless it gives something back to the community from which it was taken.

© 2012 Michael Holden

While perhaps not a full manifesto, the following are our thoughts with respect to how the Ten Principles of the Burning Man Project apply to the institution of education.  Primarily at this point we’re thinking about higher education, but we expect to expand to all of education in very short order.

1. Radical Inclusion
   Anyone may be a part of our learning communities. We welcome and respect anyone who wants to learn. No prerequisites exist for participation.
2. Gifting
   Everyone possesses gifts which they can bring to a learning community.  In a healthy learning community everyone freely shares their gifts.
3. Decommodification
   We aim to minimize or eliminate the symbolic significance of grades, earning course credit, and quotas for graduation.
4. Radical Self-Reliance
   Learning requires time and devotion.  No one can learn for you, and everyone possesses the talent required to learn what they need to learn.  Everyone owns and takes responsibility for his or her own progress.
5. Radical Self-Expression
   Learning leads naturally to personal growth and creative expression.  Creativity inherently involves risk.  A healthy learning community provides a safe space for learners to take risks as they explore the new boundaries of self and interaction with others.
6. Communal Effort
   Everyone is a teacher.  Everyone is a student.
7. Civic Responsibility
   See the opening quote above.  Learners employ their newfound knowledge, skills and abilities for the betterment of the world in which they live.
8. Leaving No Trace
   No intellectual masturbation.  Be purposeful and avoid spending time on busy-work.
9. Participation
   No spectators allowed.  Everyone teaches.  Everyone learns.
10. Immediacy
    It’s not about getting through and getting out.  It’s about making the most of the experience while you’re here.

Good things to come!!!