Published on June 12, 2010
The issue of morality in schools: I guess that refers to moral education in the
classroom, in the system, or even in the home. When that issue does come up: in
debates, in conferences or in books, the intent is somewhat nebulous. Most writers
and speakers seem rather vague about the intended application of their offering: Are
they providing structured guidance that can be used by educators in the classroom to
awaken a moral sensitivity in the youth; or, are they just lamenting what is missing?
Then I come across a book titled, Stepping Stones, by Bryan Britton. Published in 2010
and available from Xlibris, Loot, Amazon, Google, Kindle, Barnes & Noble and eBay.
This ‘anthology of moral wisdom’ is a well categorized collection of ethical common
sense. And that’s what I like about it. This book is not offering a trite technique to
transcend temptation – there are enough self-help soft covers out there. This book is
not a whiney whinge of what is not working; it is not a critical cacophony of complaints
– there is enough senseless sensationalism out there. This book is not entirely neutral
either; it is neither unbiased nor reserved – the author has his say.
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And that is what I like about the book.
It is a record of ancient, classical and contemporary moral quotes and anecdotes – a
reminder of the lessons never learned. As the author states, “The benefits of learning,
character building, moral education and religion were lost in the turmoil of the 1980s
and 1990s, resulting in a rudderless, sometimes murderous element, pervading South
African society.” Stepping Stones serves as a reminder – it serves as a silver lining. It
tells us what we can and could – and it refrains from preachy prattle about what we
shall and should.
That is why I enjoyed reading the book.
The structure and content of Stepping Stones • Ancient lessons: Includes the Ten
Commandments, the Beatitudes and the Deadly Sins. • Classic lessons: Includes
Buddha, Isaac Newton and Mahatma Gandhi. • Modern lessons: Includes Martin
Luther King, Eckhart Tolle and John Demartini. • Youth topics: Includes success,
happiness and education. • South African topics: Includes Nelson Mandela, evil
managers and the youth.
Bryan Britton, was educated in South Africa, at Christian Brothers College and the
University of the Witwatersrand, and has spent 40 years in the field of financial
management. During this time, he was involved in a wide variety of industries, ranging
from beverages, security, banking, design, advertising, venture capital, healthcare,
auditing, stock-broking and software. Having suffered a stroke in 2005, he retired
from active business and dedicated himself to writing on topics of youth, motivation
and education.
The author has pledged 75% of the proceeds from the book to I Care. This non-profit
organization is devoted to finding meaningful and sustainable solutions to the
challenge of street children in South Africa. The over-riding motive is to change street
kids from being dependent on society, into productive members of that society. I Care
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raises and channels funds into awareness, outreach, rehabilitation, housing/shelter
and education.
I strongly urge teachers, learners and students (even the parents) to purchase a copy
of Stepping Stones. The money goes for a good cause – and the content conveys a
message we are all sorely lacking.
Janos Bozsik – Editor Education Southern Africa Magazine May 2011 Issue
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