I took a few hours out of my normal work schedule last Monday and the perspective I gained from the decision far outweighed any possible monetary reward. Instead of earning about $20 for two hours of work, I chose to attend a lecture held by The Wisconsin Union Directorate's Distinguished Lecture Series.
A free speech by a former Nobel Peace Prize winner was not something I could pass up. Dr. Shirin Ebadi won the commendation in 2003 for her work towards improving women's and children's rights in her home country of Iran, where she struggled to obtain rights as a lawyer until 1993. Now a practicing lawyer and lecturer at the University of Tehran law school, Ebadi is one of the many people that you'll only get the chance to hear once in a lifetime - and she was here, at this university, for free.
Exposure to such individuals is unbelievably rewarding. Her speech provided a great deal of insight regarding the current situation in Iran, and the growing need for human rights. Additionally, the powerful insight provided by this lecture gave me an opportunity to feel the pulse of a foreign citizenry whose views are often stereotyped within America's borders.
Furthermore, Ebadi's lecture presented messages that not only contrast our society, but also those directly relevant to the state of our union.
Stressing governmental reform Ebadi claimed, we have to understand that democracy is not a gift that can be given to a nation"" highlighted the importance of change from within as our election nears and both candidates stress change. Ebadi also said, ""military engagement, even with the intention of promoting democracy and human rights, will not only harm the democratic process in countries, but it will also lead to further terrorism and acts of violence. Violence begets violence."" Yet again, topics on everyone's minds with regard to foreign policy in the upcoming election.
This speech is obviously in the past now, but if the messages presented by Ebadi are any indication, students should jump at the opportunity to attend future lectures throughout the upcoming school year. DLS director Eric Schmidt even said, ""It's as if every new lecture that we put on raises the bar.""
Scheduled lectures for this academic
year will cover a wide array of topics from human rights and evolutionary theory to astrophysics and the financial impact of major world events. These lectures aren't from average people, either. The likelihood you will ever get the chance to hear or speak to these people again is miniscule. Schmidt also said, ""DLS was founded as a way of challenging and expanding discourse on campus."" The viewpoints expressed in this year's upcoming lectures will surely do so.
For example, Dr. Francisco Ayala, president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, will speak on Nov. 10 about the need for increased funding of embryonic stem-cell research and the possibility of creating a mutually beneficial relationship between Darwinist evolutionary theory and religious faith. Richard Dawkins expressed his views at a DLS event last March.
Human rights author Ishmael Baeh will follow Ayala's lecture by sharing what he learned from his experiences as a child soldier in Sierra Leone. Baeh's talk should surely leave attendees with something to ponder until the second semester begins with a lecture from independent Palestinian journalist Amira Hanania. She is the subject of a new documentary entitled Live from Bethlehem and will give her plea for a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Concluding the series is U.S. managing editor of the Financial Times who will give her commentary on financial and international issues in current global events next February. Daniel Dennett closes the season out with what will surely be a fascinating lecture as a leading advocate of the Brights movement and respected modern American philosopher.
Not only are these issues interesting, but they're extremely relevant to expanding our view the world around us - both domestic and internationally. In an ever-changing political climate, expanding out minds serves to enhance our college experience.
For a campus frequently in the news for partying, sports and hazing incidents, the DLS are a relatively unknown benefit available to all students. The fact that such refreshing messages are available for free leads me to believe that all students should take time out of their busy schedules to enhance their perspective through the DLS.
Tom Hart is a senior majoring in political science and history. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
