Factor #1 -- university nearby
Why is having a university close by so important to me? At 59, the chances are not very high that I will be taking Western Civilization 201 -- in Spanish. (But I would not rule out the possibility of other courses.)
The issue is not the university itself, but what a university attracts. Symphony orchestras. Chamber orchestras. Art exhibits. Film festivals. Plays. Lectures. Libraries. Discussions over coffee. And that is the high brow stuff. Universities also attract popular culture performers.
Wherever a university exists, it will be the hub for the culture of that community. All of the things that add layers to life.
I have read a series of studies that are unanimous in their conclusions: whenever humans stop learning, they accelerate the death process -- mentally and physically. Anyone who has ever spent any time near a nursing home could have saved the academics a lot of time and grant money.
Is this factor still important to me?
Yes. In fact, I would say that it is very important.
Grade for Melaque:
D-
I can hear the protests now. Anyone who knows anything about Melaque knows that it does not have a university. The closest university of any size is located in Guadalajara -- a day's travel away. And that would be a good substitute, but only now and then.
I was ready to give Melaque an F on this factor until I remembered the underlying reason for wanting to be near a university. I wanted a guarantee of some intellectual stimulation. And I can get some of that in Melaque.
If you recall, I told you that I had met a retired French archaeologist who lives in Melaque. I also found an English literature professor nearby. I suspect I will find other interesting people in or near Melaque.
It is not a university, but it is better than spending the rest of my life talking with people of my age about various illnesses.
Next: archaeology.
Why is having a university close by so important to me? At 59, the chances are not very high that I will be taking Western Civilization 201 -- in Spanish. (But I would not rule out the possibility of other courses.)
The issue is not the university itself, but what a university attracts. Symphony orchestras. Chamber orchestras. Art exhibits. Film festivals. Plays. Lectures. Libraries. Discussions over coffee. And that is the high brow stuff. Universities also attract popular culture performers.
Wherever a university exists, it will be the hub for the culture of that community. All of the things that add layers to life.
I have read a series of studies that are unanimous in their conclusions: whenever humans stop learning, they accelerate the death process -- mentally and physically. Anyone who has ever spent any time near a nursing home could have saved the academics a lot of time and grant money.
Is this factor still important to me?
Yes. In fact, I would say that it is very important.
Grade for Melaque:
D-
I can hear the protests now. Anyone who knows anything about Melaque knows that it does not have a university. The closest university of any size is located in Guadalajara -- a day's travel away. And that would be a good substitute, but only now and then.
I was ready to give Melaque an F on this factor until I remembered the underlying reason for wanting to be near a university. I wanted a guarantee of some intellectual stimulation. And I can get some of that in Melaque.
If you recall, I told you that I had met a retired French archaeologist who lives in Melaque. I also found an English literature professor nearby. I suspect I will find other interesting people in or near Melaque.
It is not a university, but it is better than spending the rest of my life talking with people of my age about various illnesses.
Next: archaeology.
