This lesson is about working to understand a concept more fully over a period of time. To “wrestle” an idea means to consider it from many viewpoints, and with the advantage of our own personal experiences over time. Some of these questions might be called a paradox, or a zen koan. A paradox might also be considered a contradiction, surprising, or ironic:

Example a.) in Hamlet that "though this be madness, yet there is a method in it.”

Example b.) Milton - Book One of 'Paradise Lost', "that the fires of hell emit 'no light, but darkness visible.”

Example c.) Statements such as Oscar Wilde's "I can resist anything except temptation.”

Example d.) Teresa of Avila "The pain is still there, it bothers me so little.....” Example e.) Tom Wootton "Depression is beautiful.”

What idea are you wrestling with?

What does it mean?

What benefit do you see in pondering a question for a few months or longer?

Describe something that a teacher once said to you or your class that you did not figure out until years later.

Can you write down a paradox that took you a long time to figure out or understand?

How about one that you have not yet figured out?

Wrestling With An Idea Exercise