I read a passage in Ibn Khaldun’s ‘Muqaddimah’ that resonated with me about our children.
He references how Bedouins are more disposed to courage than sedentary people [or those living in settled, luxurious conditions].
He references how Bedouins are more disposed to courage than sedentary people [or those living in settled, luxurious conditions].
He states how those in luxury;
– Are used to laziness and ease
– Entrust the defence of their property and lives to the state
– Rely on local law enforcement to guard them
– Are carefree and trusting
– Don’t carry weapons or involve themselves in hunting.
– Are used to laziness and ease
– Entrust the defence of their property and lives to the state
– Rely on local law enforcement to guard them
– Are carefree and trusting
– Don’t carry weapons or involve themselves in hunting.
In the end he says, maybe starkly, ‘They have become like women and children, who depend on the master of the house’.
In comparison to the Bedouins who;
– Are generally alone in the country
– Provide for their own defence and do not rely on others
– Carry weapons and [know how to use them]
– Go alone in the desert guided by their fortitude, having trust in themselves.
– When sedentary people mix with them on a journey in the desert, they rely on the Bedouin. For directions, knowledge of the country, watering places etc.
– Are generally alone in the country
– Provide for their own defence and do not rely on others
– Carry weapons and [know how to use them]
– Go alone in the desert guided by their fortitude, having trust in themselves.
– When sedentary people mix with them on a journey in the desert, they rely on the Bedouin. For directions, knowledge of the country, watering places etc.
Now, I’m not saying to go and become a Bedouin and live on a camel!. But we have to ride a fine line of how much we mollycoddle our children. Living in the UK, we’re all prone to it, including myself.
But Ibn Khaldun does allude to how this luxury approach can stifle fortitude and courage amongst its people. To the extent he says, ‘Man is a child of the customs and the things he has become used to’.
Our children should know they will get told off when they disrespect others. They should be taught some form of martial arts for self-discipline and to be able to look after themselves. How to deal with a bully, but similarly know how to speak to elders with respect.
They should and can learn chivalry early.
They should be encouraged to play outside and get dirty even if they have an Xbox at home. They need to get used to looking after others. Stand up for innocent people being intimidated by others.
It’s having a balance. But we risk raising a group of children who may excel academically through hours of tutoring and enjoying their PlayStation. But when they need to depend on themselves in this world (mentally or physically) or help others, they just don’t have the fortitude within them to stand up.
But Ibn Khaldun does allude to how this luxury approach can stifle fortitude and courage amongst its people. To the extent he says, ‘Man is a child of the customs and the things he has become used to’.
Our children should know they will get told off when they disrespect others. They should be taught some form of martial arts for self-discipline and to be able to look after themselves. How to deal with a bully, but similarly know how to speak to elders with respect.
They should and can learn chivalry early.
They should be encouraged to play outside and get dirty even if they have an Xbox at home. They need to get used to looking after others. Stand up for innocent people being intimidated by others.
It’s having a balance. But we risk raising a group of children who may excel academically through hours of tutoring and enjoying their PlayStation. But when they need to depend on themselves in this world (mentally or physically) or help others, they just don’t have the fortitude within them to stand up.