Smart Growth vs. Intelligent Growth
You've probably seen them around, prominently displayed in yards and local business. The sign promoting a web site next to a large question mark. Near that question mark are two words- "Ask Questions". And Smart Growth Ogden has done just that- asked questions. The problem I see is that they stopped right there and have gone no further. The sign should read "Ask Questions- Listen for Answers".
You may have heard the statement, "The only stupid question is the one not asked." This is not always the case. I taught in the public school system for four years and quickly learned something about students- the ones who asked the questions weren't necessarily the ones who learned (in fact, most kids who asked the questions seemed to be wanting to appear smart to those around them). The true mark of intelligence is not in the number of questions being posed, rather the degree to which one attends to the answer when it is given.
Of course, the experience I have had with Smart Growth is that they really aren't concerned with finding the answers, just asking the rhetorical questions. Why? Asking a rhetorical question is a simple tactic. Rhetorical questions (or the occasional rhetorical comment) are easily remembered. They are just as easily repeated.
My challenge to those who want "smart growth" in Ogden is to raise the bar. Don't just try to appear smart by asking questions- show your true intelligence by honestly listening for the answers. I can see it now- "Intelligent Growth Ogden: Ask questions, Listen for Answers, Learn the Truth."
You may have heard the statement, "The only stupid question is the one not asked." This is not always the case. I taught in the public school system for four years and quickly learned something about students- the ones who asked the questions weren't necessarily the ones who learned (in fact, most kids who asked the questions seemed to be wanting to appear smart to those around them). The true mark of intelligence is not in the number of questions being posed, rather the degree to which one attends to the answer when it is given.
Of course, the experience I have had with Smart Growth is that they really aren't concerned with finding the answers, just asking the rhetorical questions. Why? Asking a rhetorical question is a simple tactic. Rhetorical questions (or the occasional rhetorical comment) are easily remembered. They are just as easily repeated.
My challenge to those who want "smart growth" in Ogden is to raise the bar. Don't just try to appear smart by asking questions- show your true intelligence by honestly listening for the answers. I can see it now- "Intelligent Growth Ogden: Ask questions, Listen for Answers, Learn the Truth."
posted by Lancer at 12:03 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home