#Divine optimism philosophy professional

For me he is the creator of everything which exists.

I believe this to be equally true of God. This is why, for example, someone interested in classical music can immediately tell the difference between a symphony by Beethoven from one by Elgar someone interested in painting can tell the difference between a painting by Van Gogh and one by Turner and architects can distinguish each other’s work. If you think about it, all creative artists, whether of music or painting or sculpture or architecture, leave something of their own personality in their work. Therefore, in each of us there is a spark of the divine. I believe that all human beings, whatever their backgrounds, whatever generation they belong to, are all created in the image and likeness of God. I hope what I am going to say will not sound like a theological lecture, but if you want to know where I come from this is what I have to say. To answer that I will have to go back to my Christian roots. You have asked me about my philosophy of youth work.

#Divine optimism philosophy professional

Our friendship and professional association and partnership have been a true privilege.ĭirector of Youth Projects for England and Wales Youth workers touch lives and can foster true and organic relationships. This booklet is based on recorded interviews with Peter Cutts. He challenges with ideas, he sees the management of change as crucial to the future and leaves dialogue in his wake, helping to create true consideration for others. Education has always been at the core of my own career. All this lies at the very centre of youth and community work and, indeed, education. He talks about “helping young people who are perhaps unemployed, apathetic and drifting, to dream dreams, to discover that spark within them and to rise up from the ground, and in their turn inspire others, and to show them that they have the power to make life worth living”. He talks about “inspiring leadership within the peer group as essential to rejuvenating the community”. Larry talks of ‘fanning the flame’ and then protecting it. My friendship and love for him rapidly grew, as did one of the most stimulating professional partnerships I have enjoyed in my working career. If the heart of the Rank Charities’ policies lay in care and compassion, then Larry lay at its very centre. His eyes seemed to touch my spirit and soul.

I met him in the mid-1980’s and was immediately caught by his startling blue eyes peering over his glasses on the edge of his nose. I knew when I first encountered Larry Parsons that this was a very special person.

(First published as a Rank Foundation/YMCA George Williams College pamphlet) contents: foreword In this piece Larry Parsons reflects on his philosophy of youth work – and the fundamental significance of the spark of the divine that he believes is in everyone.