Conformity - be there a slow death upon ye ...

Conform and die. It is not difficult - the more you strive to fit your view of the model of the world that others impose on you. The quicker a slow death will be upon you (dichotomy intended).

Good academic practice is in my experience a collection of rebels collaborating on common causes. Independent thinkers perceiving new opportunities and ideals and then exploiting that.

Rebel is an oft misunderstood term, being rebellious may mean that you resist authority - often when it is needed. It is more likely that those in authority do not know what is needed and only carries out what those in power feel is the right thing ... irrespective of the impact.

We could agree with changes that take place - or see that it is entirely foolhardy and choose to selectively rebel and attempt to change the perceived status quo.

Back to good academic practice - many who read this (and are involved in education). Have you ever found yourself having to run against the popular belief in order to ensure that your students get what is actually needed. If so, well done, you are a rebel and probably an excellent teacher to boot.

Please - do not conform, do question authority and act - as chances are they know less than you. If you wish to conform, then a slow death awaits.



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