If you have been
reading these literature posts, you might have noticed a trend by now. I will
gladly admit I have a weakness for 19th century British literature. This
month I decided to be adventurous by reading an American classic from 1949
titled The Thread That Runs So True. This book is an autobiography by
Jesse Stuart that focuses on his work in education in eastern Kentucky. Mr.
Stuart was passionate about changing every child’s life through education.
Through his book, he hoped to open America’s eyes to both the value of
education and the struggles of the teachers trying to provide it.
This is a book I’m glad
I chose. Not only did it take me in a completely different direction in subject
matter, but it also reminded me of how blessed I am. Recently, I was
complaining that I wasted my time getting a degree. Mr. Stuart showed me that no
education is a waste of time. With the complexities of this world, it is easy
to forget how valuable some things are. Mr. Stuart's love for education comes
through his writing and it’s infectious.
Jesse Stuart never
intended to make teaching his career, but life is good about throwing someone a
curveball. In Mr. Stuart’s case, it was a good thing both for him and his county’s
education system. He dedicated many years of his life to making sure all
children had an opportunity to learn. Sometimes that meant teaching but at
other times it meant going to court to fight the corruption of the county’s
educational system. Kentucky wasn't always very welcoming of his help, and yet
he continued to offer it. He believed that education was what would preserve
their children's livelihood and freedom.
Even though the focus
of the book is Jesse Stuart’s experiences as a teacher, there are two other
themes that I noticed while I read. The first is to stand up for what’s right. He
wasn’t willing to just go with what was, accept people’s reasonings, or let
someone else handle it. He knew what he was seeing was wrong and he did
something about it. He armed himself with facts and he wouldn’t back down.
Because of him, teachers and students had someone representing them and the problems
they faced.
The second theme is the
benefits of hard work. Mr. Stuart worked for everything; he truly earned every
success he had. His education took years to complete because he worked for it. He
gave his all to every position he held. And he also passed on his work ethic to
his students, even if they didn’t realize it. Impossible wasn’t a word in his
vocabulary, and frankly, I find that admirable. Technology allows people to
achieve things so much easier, and I’m not sure that is always a good thing.
The Thread That Runs
So True offered plenty of inspiration and thought for me, and I hope it
will do the same for you. Jesse Stuart also devoted his life to writing along
with education. He wrote many short stories and poems that you might also find
enjoyable. What do you think of Jesse Stuart and his fight for education? Do
you agree with his ideals and methods?
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