I have read a few textbooks in my day, and failed to get through others that I’ve started. I recently got myself a used copy of the Cambridge University Press IB (International Baccalaureate) Theory of Knowledge textbook and I have decided to commit to reading the whole thing. I am actually pretty excited.

I’m not sure what it is about the topic that interests me, but I do find myself enjoying the book so far. I suppose that in a world (and country) where so few people think deeply about the basics, I am increasingly drawn to trying to make sure I am well informed. I am also aware that I am very knowledgable in some areas and woefully ignorant in others. I’m hoping I can plug some knowledge gaps and see what IB students, who are in high school, are exposed to as part of this rich, non-U.S. centered curriculum.

The IB program has some other interesting elements to their social science curicullum that I will likely explore, as well. Indeed, they call it Individuals and Society and students are expected to do a deep dive in one or two of the sub-topics, which include:

business management ~ economics ~ geography ~ global politics ~ history ~ digital society ~ philosophy ~ psychology ~ social and cultural anthropology ~ world religions

As a teacher and a life-long learner, this curriculum is sumptuous. I plan on enjoying the feast.