I believe that human beings want to learn and that learning is an indispensable, inborn, ever-evolving, and lifelong process. More to the point, learning is most effective when information is ingrained in purposeful and meaningful experiences and interactions. In addition, we all must possess a purpose, such as serving the greater good, in order to lead meaningful lives. And, we must always endeavor to be the best selves that we can be, without fail.

In “The Prince,” Machiavelli describes immoral behavior, such as dishonesty and killing innocents, as being normal, effective and even desirable in politics. Although this sounds nasty and pessimistic, many scholars suggest that he was merely distinguishing between the “facts” of political life and the “values” of moral judgment. It is for this reason that, while at The Field School, I asked my 10th-grade History class to run the class as if they were modern day Machiavellis. The results were exciting, dramatic, and sometimes uproarious. My students often resented or feared the “Machiavelli of the day,” but often acquiesced to his or her demands to avoid negative consequences or harm (or a poor grade). Others revolted. And, quite often, the “Machiavelli of the day” did not get much done. Sound familiar? It was during this simulation that my class, fully engaged, imaginations swirling, grasped the complexities of politics, law, order, and force – as well as powerlessness.