[arete]

I have a splotch on the back of my thigh. Close enough!

From time to time I’m asked my opinion regarding suitable curricula when one educates children at home. This is almost like asking, “How long is a piece of string?”


Initially when asked the question I would give my view and then ask, “How do you like them apples!” One would be wise to consider that opinions are often like armpits – we all have them and some of them stink.

When I was a student at university I had a mentor who taught me a very interesting principle with regards to the interpretation of financial statements. Whenever I discussed a set of financials with him, his first question was always, “Where did the money go to?” Initially his question caught me off-guard since I thought the process of assessing financial statements was a straightforward matter. There is an income statement, a balance sheet, a set of notes and even a cash flow statement. What could be simpler when evaluating statements? Still my mentor would ask, “Where did the money go?”

Then he taught me the principles behind and the value of a cash flow statement, which incidentally, is probably the most important document in any business. It explains what happened to the money. Any business has to make money since without money no enterprise can succeed. And without an appropriate cash flow a business cannot continue for an extended period. So, it is important to know where the money comes from and when and where it goes.

Let us use a furniture store as an example to illustrate the point. We assume you have a great business and a great turnover, but you sell all your stuff on credit. On the other hand, say you have to pay cash for everything you purchase. At the end of the year, your income statement will hopefully show a reasonable profit, but your bank manager might not be that cheerful. Why? Because all you profit is lying with your debtors.
 Incidentally, most business that fail, fail because of a lack of positive cash flow.

In case you are wondering what happened to the choices of curricula, hang in a while longer! I once attended a tax workshop and the advocate who successfully argued his case in the “Brummeria Case” gave us some interesting insights. The case dealt with interest free loans between parties. The outcome of the case could have disastrous consequences for those who have sown unrighteous seed.
 Without spending too much time on the detail of the case I would like to mention two things that the advocate stressed:
1) In every case it is a question of fact. There is no general rule.
2) In every case one must examine the facts by looking at contracts, interviewing witnesses; enquire about intentions and so on. But always remember – Appearances can be deceiving! 


Now back to curriculum! When deciding on what curriculum to follow one first needs to consider the flow – no, not the cash flow, but the life flow. Where does the life flow? Does it flow to the “system”? Or does it flow to the user(s)? 
In my experience it mostly flows to the “system”.


Secondly, there is no general rule. Examine the facts. Don’t believe everything you hear and don’t believe everything you think, and remember, appearances can be deceiving.


Thirdly, if you really think about it, what is the most crucial thing that any person needs? What is the principal thing? A wise ruler once said, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding.” I think that is good advice to follow! 

Now ask yourself – What curriculum would help me to get the principal thing? 
On the other hand, most people seem not to care much about the principal thing. My opinion on the matter is that wisdom is our first choice – not education per se, not mere knowledge, but knowledge with understanding. Applying life, as it were!

What utter, mind-borking, total sh1111111111t!