University convention submerges nature. It issues licenses, and hunting without one is forbidden.

University convention submerges nature. It issues licenses, and hunting without one is forbidden.

Allan Bloom

The quote “University convention submerges nature. It issues licenses, and hunting without one is forbidden” touches on the relationship between structured systems of knowledge or authority (represented by “university convention”) and the natural world. The idea suggests that these conventions often overshadow or suppress our inherent instincts and connections to nature.

When we think of “university convention,” it can refer to the formal rules, credentials, and systemic approaches to education and knowledge acquisition that are prevalent in academic institutions. This framework tends to prioritize standardized ways of thinking and learning over intuitive, experiential understanding—what can be considered a more natural way of engaging with the world.

The second part of the quote implies a regulatory aspect: just as hunting requires licenses—formal approvals from established authorities—so too does intellectual exploration under these conventions have its own set of rules about what is acceptable or valid knowledge. This creates boundaries that might limit individual curiosity or creativity by discouraging unconventional methods or ideas.

In today’s context, this notion could apply in various fields such as education, business, art, or even personal development. For instance:

1. **Education**: While formal qualifications are necessary for many professions (engineers need degrees; doctors need certifications), they can sometimes stifle innovative thinking if students feel pressured to conform strictly to curricula rather than explore their passions organically.

2. **Business**: Companies often establish protocols (akin to “licenses”) for how things should be done based on industry standards. While this can ensure quality and compliance, it may also hinder creativity if employees feel they can’t deviate from established practices.

3. **Personal Development**: Individuals seeking self-improvement might feel compelled to follow certain popular methodologies (like specific self-help programs) instead of exploring their unique paths based on personal experiences and instincts.

In terms of personal development, embracing a balance between structured learning (like attending workshops) while also nurturing one’s innate intuition can lead to deeper understanding and fulfillment. It encourages individuals not only to seek knowledge through conventional means but also through direct experience with the world around them—the “nature” that’s submerged under conventions.

This perspective advocates for a holistic approach where both tradition (the university) and instinctual wisdom (nature) coexist harmoniously rather than one overshadowing the other; ultimately allowing people greater freedom in how they learn, explore life’s complexities, engage with others creatively, pursue their passions authentically—and perhaps even redefine what ‘success’ means on an individual level beyond societal expectations.

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