Friday, March 29, 2013
No, you don't need an Einstein
BBC is running a series on improving science in Africa. Today they discussed a project aimed at bringing out the 'next Einstein' in Africa.
No. No. No. Dead wrong. Exactly diametrically wrong. Africa does not need its own Einstein.
Africa needs its own Henry Ford. It needs a visionary businessman who can develop an industry unique to Africa, and make it work for the benefit of both customers and employees.
Africa needs its own Norman Borlaug, GW Carver, and Cyrus McCormick. It needs agricultural visionaries who can start with existing technologies and add effective storage and distribution.
For that matter, nobody needs an Einstein. His theories brought nothing but new ways for Big Science to absorb infinite amounts of money with zero benefit.
Judging by the Africans interviewed in BBC's feature, I'd say many Africans already understand this point. While the English presenter was nattering on about Einstein, the fucking Apollo moon shot, Gender Die-Versity, and other suicidal ratshit, most of the African discussants were trying to pull the focus toward more concrete needs. They clearly understand that Africa needs economic discipline and development, clearly understand that science education has to be about experience, not theory. If the BBC dickhead would stop distracting them, maybe they could get the job done a little faster!
Labels: Carver, Experiential education
¶ 4:17 AM
