James Baldwin published "A Talk to Teachers" in The Saturday Review of Dec. 21, 1961. Why does Baldwin describes education as a paradox? Baldwin thinks that if a society gets what it "really, ideally, wants" it will actually cause that society to perish. What does a society really want, according to Baldwin? Why would it be destructive for society to get it? How can the right kind of education prevent this destruction? Baldwin says forming our own identity means living with questions, not with answers. Why do you think someone might say this? Do you think it's true?
a) Education is a paradox because it both liberates and oppresses.
b) A society really wants security and stability, but achieving it leads to stagnation and decline.
c) It would be destructive for society to get absolute power and control, as it stifles individuality and progress.
d) The right kind of education can prevent destruction by fostering critical thinking and questioning societal norms.