Education Through the Knowledge of Nature
“One of the biggest issues today is our disconnect from nature—a trend that alarmingly extends even to younger generations.” Robin Nguyen
As an experienced educator, I am writing a series of articles titled “Education Through the Knowledge of Nature”. Through this endeavor, I aim to broaden perspectives and encourage individuals to rediscover the profound value of education alongside the love and wisdom that Mother Nature imparts.
Part Three: Why Do Today’s Children Face an Overwhelming Academic Burden?
It saddens me to see children in major cities—whether in China, Korea, or Vietnam—enduring long study hours from early morning until late evening, Monday through Saturday. They are often burdened with multiple extra classes after school, a system that breeds relentless competition and leaves little room for genuine happiness.
I often reminisce about my childhood in my hometown, where the gentle toll of the church bell at 4:00 AM heralded the dawn and, again at 4:00 PM, signaled a time to pause and reflect. Remarkably, this natural cadence endures in many parts of Europe—places like France, Italy, and Spain, where the bell chimes at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM to suit the longer nights.
Consider the birds: they start their day with soft chirps around 4:00 AM, taking flight at about 5:45 AM as the first light of sunrise appears. As dusk approaches, they reconvene around 3:30 PM, guided by nature’s subtle signals. Likewise, in the Middle East, people synchronize their prayers with these rhythms, pausing at 4:04 AM and 3:41 PM.
Moon days (the first and fifteen of a lunar month) are especially cherished in Eastern cultures like India, Thailand and Vietnam, when we set aside our daily labors to honor our ancestors and spend quality time with our loved ones or pray to stay calm.
In contrast, today’s children rush home after school only to attend tutoring or extracurricular classes—activities that encroach upon an essential time for rest and personal growth. The interval between 7:00 and 8:00 PM should ideally be dedicated to relaxation—whether through reading or engaging in a favorite hobby—allowing both body and spirit to rejuvenate. By 9:00 PM, it is time to sleep so that the body can effectively restore its vital metabolic balance.
We can truly live in harmony with nature only when we understand its profound rhythms and recognize that we are but an integral part of Mother Nature. Neglecting these natural cycles not only predisposes us to various illnesses but also risks nurturing a generation overwhelmed by excessive pressure, unhealthy competition, and pervasive depression.
Author: Robin Nguyen
