Maggie's Farm

On human nature, the Dr
sanity piece is good. However, in defense of the Seattle Lego Wimps, I have found so much evidence of original sin in the cherubic kids I have taught in Sunday school
for the last 27 years that I do sympathize w the battle fatigue, if not the PC rationale. I love my students and they are far closer to God than I am, but human nature is complicated. Certain types of distinctive, highly portable toys and crafts supplies regularly lead to battles royal in class. Of course we do not ban the model magic or whatever, but we have to put a lot of effort into teaching them to trade fairly, not grab, and remember the tragedy of the commons. Certain things are saved and reused and it is quite the struggle to get across that certain expensive items must be shared. We give them their own things, but teach explicitly against hoarding, grabbing, trashing the shared supply of, say, markers. We do not view ourselves as socialists but Christian when we teach that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Legos like the game of monopoly are great teachers, but children are uncivilized and need guidance to moderate their natural greed.