My Bottom Line Deduction

     In straight forward, elementary language, I calculate a very large problem with the world, education and families is that the point from which all evolves, and revolves, is addition and multiplication.   It should be subtraction and division.   Think about it.   What factors are indelibly embedded as the crux of education?   Sadly, the correct guess is addition and multiplication.    No student is ever introduced to subtraction or division before first learning addition and multiplication.   Scholastic theory is if students master addition and multiplication, they’ll naturally be able to understand subtraction and division.   In my view, this perspective is backward. 

     If life adds up to being wrapped up in multiplying MORE, TIMES MORE, TIMES MORE, the product is never being happy or fulfilled just because we are God’s very special ONE.   Shouldn’t the oneness of each of us be the greatest of all our worth and wealth?   Our lives are being destroyed by needing to have more.   This leads to the lump sum of even if we have everything, no matter how great it is, it isn’t enough. In the world, no accomplishment, amount of credit cards or, pathetically speaking, number of bills seem to be enough – let alone too much.   In American education even 100% isn’t good enough anymore.   We indoctrinate our children that extra credit is the only way to score.   In the family, 2 cars, 3 square meals, 4 bedrooms and a 5 day work week don’t even add up to self-esteem and happiness.   The world, education and families are ruled by the uncontrollable need to add, add, add followed by multiply, multiply, multiply.

     Forget addition; forget multiplication.   Let’s start subtracting.   Let’s start dividing.   After all, what have we to lose except astronomical stress, inflated egos, overrated materialism and no time to enjoy what we already possess.

     Since I’ve been brazen enough to criticize the add ‘em up and multiply principle, I guess I should, also, put forth mathematical theories in defense of my subtract and divide postulate.   So be it; here are my equations for “Figuring Out What Really Counts”.

     The world minus social status equals contentment.   Education minus the urge to over push equals wisdom.   Families minus materialism equals togetherness.   Self-respect and self-esteem divided amongst all in the world equals peace.   Knowledge divided into basics equals intelligence.   People divided into families equals Faith, Hope and Love.

     My bottom line equals I choose that subtract and divide will now rule my life.   I’m subtracting the stress of trying to accomplish the extreme of too much.   I’m dividing each day into a time to feel blessed, a time to play, a time to laugh, a time to do NOTHING, and, most importantly, time to pray.   Could anyone really want more or settle for less???