# 190: Theory!
Story behind the Passage
Yesterday I had an intense discussion that really made me a bit angry. I caught myself fiercely defending the value of the comprehensive universities (as opposed to universities of applied sciences and all the different commercial variants we are seeing today). All of these institutions have their place and value in society, for sure. But there is one thing that gets lost if we do not pay attention: theory. This is what divided us in our meeting yesterday. And I was torn: Yes, I love pragmatic problem-solving and getting things done. But I hate if people say that theory is not needed. I am sorry, but I have to say it: this is stupid, uninformed, and uneducated. Hardly any outstanding thinker ever denied the importance of practice; hardly any great entrepreneur ever denied the importance of theory.
My Learnings
Theory is bad.
We do not need it.
We know everything.
We see everything.
Everybody talks about everything.
Without having a clue.
Theory is abstract.
Boring things by boring people.
Exciting people just talk
About the bullshit in their minds.
Never read a book completely.
Celebrating posts and claps.
Theory is worthless.
Business is creating value.
Greedy people selling to greedy people.
They share a lot.
Above all,
They are all ignorant.
Theory will be forgotten
If we do not make sure
That people learn it.
Learning means reading.
And the art of dialogue.
Both are almost dead.
Theory can save us
From the worst pandemics
And from the most violent crimes.
This cannot be understood by those
Who embrace practice
Over everything.
Where is the proper theory of stupidity?
Where are the educators that will stop the decline?
Where are the philosophers of our age?
Where are the spiritual teachers with a secular voice?
Where are the scholars who make a difference?
Where is the wall that we need to bulldoze?
Reflection Questions
1) How do you define theory in your own words?
2) Is your strength theory or practice? Why?
3) Where do you think the higher education system in your country is heading?