Children Have Abilities, Now Go Educate

J. Patrick Carriere
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440166211
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (05/10)


In our world today, as the author relates, we are so distrustful of others, judge them and continue discrimination.  As we follow the author on his job with oil rigs, he asks many questions and makes several comments on how we judge what we don’t know. His travels around the world with his job give him a firsthand look at how the media and government control our lives and continually let it happen.

This was very informative reading on working on oil rigs and the dangers that happen hourly. But at the same time, given the author’s experience working with other cultures, it was about learning more about others, their thoughts and customs. Many times those that are most critical of other countries have never set foot outside their town. There are so many things that have taken control of our lives and thoughts; media, government, corporations and politicians. How could we let that happen? What happened to thinking for your self?

By reading this book, the author gives you the chance to start thinking about how you became who you are today.  His experiences in trying to help his community were frustrating to say the least; we get no direct answers to our questions, people love power and it goes to their head.  There is no common courtesy in businesses today; many act like they are doing you a favor by talking to you. Is that from fear or frustration? When was the last time you walked down the street and spoke kindly to a passerby? We don’t even communicate with our neighbors; we are in such a hurry to get nowhere.

The author challenges readers to start thinking and behaving differently - it only takes one person to make changes. Some of our hostilities toward others are learned from family, friends and media. But the cycle doesn’t have to continue- each of us has the power to take control of our lives and behavior. Change is scary for everyone; it takes us out of our comfort zone, but maybe we need to start doing this.

This reading really made me think, and the thoughts and questions the author posed really made me look at who was living my life. Many of us complain, become argumentative, but yet do nothing about it. We wait for others to make the changes and we will be waiting a long time. If you really are tired of all the negatives in our lives then you should read “Children Have Abilities, Now Go Educate”and take that first step.

Make comment on weblog

FTC Disclosure