In the 1973 film The Paper Chase, Charles W. Kingsfield Jr. introduces a phrase that has struck a cord with educators and teachers. Speaking to a class of law students, Kingsfield states the following, “You teach yourselves the law, but I train your minds. You come in here with a skull full of mush; you leave thinking like a lawyer.” The term mush originated in the late 17th century, referring to a variant of mash. Essentially, young people are in their infant stage, incomplete and underdeveloped. The purpose of attending school is to take young skulls full of mush and shape them into mature adults.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.
I guess modern institutions of higher education have not seen this movie or applied Kingsfield’s principles. In the wake of Hillary Clinton’s surprising loss to Donald Trump in this year’s 2016 Presidential Election, young skulls full of mush are regressing. Colleges and high schools are doing everything in their power to appease spoiled brats, unable to comprehend how Hillary lost. Subsequently, some classes and tests have been cancelled, crying sessions have been offered and grief therapy is available on several campuses. Yet, where is the preparation for adversity, failure and trials within this life?
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth, 3 John 1:4.
The Bible refers to children as either the disappointment or joy of parents. Depending upon how you are raised will impact how you live and what you think. Since parents won’t be there that long to hold your hand in life, at some point you will have to exercise free will. There are two paths according to the Bible, a broad road and a narrow path. Unless you are trained properly, its easily to make poor discussions. Therefore, may the words of the verse below serve as a prayer for those people hoping to leave behind a young skull of mush for a life devoted to faith in Christ.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me, 1 Corinthians 13:11.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 