Masterclass:
Read together from The Courage To Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi, discuss the chapter “Life is a series of moments,” and complete the conversation between the Youth and the Philosopher.
Key Takeaways
Reject the “kinetic” life model (a linear path to a future goal) for an “energeal” one (finding fulfilment in the process itself).
Live in the “here and now” by shining a “bright spotlight” on each moment, which makes the past and future irrelevant distractions.
Assign your own meaning to life; it has no inherent purpose. The “guiding star” for this is the contribution to others.
Change yourself to change your world; it’s a personal responsibility that requires courage to start, regardless of others’ cooperation.
Topics
GSA & Learning Forward Updates
Sandeep Dutt reviewed the GSA website (
schooleducation.com) to clarify the oorganisation’smission and programs.Mission: Personal and social development across 10 attributes (e.g., identity, communication).
Core Belief: Schools should focus on service, skill, sport, and study.
Teachers Academy: Saturday 3 PM sessions for school faculties.
Cost: ₹10,000 annual donation per school.
Capacity: Currently serving 6 schools; can accept 1–2 more.
Recent Session: “Ecological Wisdom” with Project FUEL.
Masterclass: Saturday, 5:30 PM book club.
My Good School: Sunday session.
Brewing Knowledge Fridays: Friday session on learning and assessments.
YouTube Channel: Redesigned for more straightforward navigation.
Impact Study: Now live on the website.
Special Projects: Page updated with the Dune School Old Boys’ Society.
Recap of Last Session: Shalini Gupta summarised the key takeaway from the January 10 session:
- Disruptive behaviour, especially in children, often signals a need to be seen and heard.
- Adults can normalise abnormal behaviour by seeking superiority.
- Adlerian foundations for a healthy self: freedom, contribution, and belonging.
- True self-worth comes from contributing to the community, not from seeking recognition.
Chapter Discussion: “Life is a series of moments”
The discussion contrasted two views of life:
Kinetic Life (Linear): A path to a future destination (e.g., a mountaintop).
Problem: The majority of life becomes a “tentative” period en route to a goal, making happiness dependent on a future outcome.
Energeal Life (Moment-by-Moment): A series of complete moments lived in the “here and now.”
Analogy: “Dancing”—the act itself is the goal, not a destination.
Principle: Each moment is complete and fulfilling on its own, regardless of the final outcome.
The “Bright Spotlight” Metaphor:
Focusing on the past or future creates a “dim twilight” that prevents earnest living.
A “bright spotlight” on the present moment makes the past and future irrelevant distractions.
Assigning Meaning:
Life has no inherent meaning; individuals must assign it themselves.
The “Guiding Star”: Contribution to others.
This provides a compass for a free and happy life, independent of others’ approval.
Personal Transformation:
The world changes when an individual changes.
Analogy: Putting on glasses for the first time reveals a clear, vivid world.
Adler’s Advice: “Someone has to start... You should start. With no regard to whether others are cooperative or not.”
Next Steps
All Participants:
Join the “My Good School” session on Sunday, January 18, featuring Karthik Bajoria.
Attend the final chapter reading (the afterword) on January 24, Tuesday, January 24.
Sandeep Dutt:
Host a reception at the book café on Monday, January 19 (5–7 PM) for Governing Council members and guests.
Khushi:
Invite Principal Srividya Ma’am to the Masterclass session.
Notes courtesy: Fathom AI
