Jono Starsmore (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
furnaceface) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fandomhigh2012-09-21 08:28 am
furnaceface) wrote in fandomhigh2012-09-21 08:28 am
Entry tags:
Living on the Outskirts, Friday, Period 2
"I won't presume to tell you all what it is you need in your lives," Jonothon began once it looked as though everyone who was going to be here was settled in. "You've all gotten along without me doing so right up to this point, I'm hardly going to sweep in and give you some piece of critical information about whatever's been working for you that will turn your philosophies on their heads and somehow make your entire future a brighter one. And if I do, tell me. I'd probably get a kick out of that."
No. Really. He probably would.
"Today, I am going to natter on for a minute," or more, "about fundamental human needs. There are handouts," Jono glanced down at two stacks of paper, and then gestured for one of his TAs to hand them out while he continued talking, "that supposedly sum up those things that human beings, or I would presume other sentients that are at least similar to humans, require in order to live comfortable lives. You'll notice if you deign to look at them that they seem to vary slightly in what they believe is necessary for a decent standard of living, though they do agree that food, water, shelter, and a sense of security are obviously important."
He settled back against his desk, arms crossed over his chest.
"They also place some level of importance on positive interaction with other people," he continued. "The list of Fundamental Human Needs places a special emphasis on this, and bases its list on things that have been constants through all human time periods, through all cultures. While it covers subsistence immediately, the rest of the categories break off into things like 'affection,' 'understanding,' 'participation.' All social in nature." Jono took a moment to glance around the room, from person to person, and smiled faintly. "Obviously, your own mileage might vary. Perhaps you're all perfectly happy little hermits, and you've no need for sentient interaction in the least. In which case, I'm not entirely certain what you're doing here, but you might as well settle back and listen, all the same."
Jono reached for his coffee and took a mouthful before pressing on with his lecture.
"What you really need to take out of this, as people who might be walking on the edge of society in one way or another, is that people, people in general, have some deep, pressing need to belong. They need to interact with others, and I'd be surprised if even the most surly of you were to honestly tell me otherwise. There is not a person in this room who hasn't made a friend, at some point in their lives or even at some point during their time on the island. Of that I am certain." He smiled faintly. "So, today we're going to come up with ways to take our knowledge of that need and turn it to our own advantage. Whether you're on the outside looking in, or on the inside wishing you could get the hell out, there will likely be somebody right there with you, or at least standing nearby and looking at the rest of the world from a position that means that you could familiarize yourself with them if only you tried. So. You tell me, from your own personal standpoints, from what you've seen and what you've done, if you were to find such a person, what potential use does that person have for you, in particular. A friend? An ally? A business associate? Fodder?"
He was pretty sure there were a few in the room who would list 'fodder.'
"And then, I want you to figure out your own personal needs and list them off in order from most important to least, as you would list it. Leaving things on either of the handouts off or adding them is fine. I want you to think of what it is that you believe you cannot possibly live without. Sharing with the class is optional, but encouraged."
[Open!]
No. Really. He probably would.
"Today, I am going to natter on for a minute," or more, "about fundamental human needs. There are handouts," Jono glanced down at two stacks of paper, and then gestured for one of his TAs to hand them out while he continued talking, "that supposedly sum up those things that human beings, or I would presume other sentients that are at least similar to humans, require in order to live comfortable lives. You'll notice if you deign to look at them that they seem to vary slightly in what they believe is necessary for a decent standard of living, though they do agree that food, water, shelter, and a sense of security are obviously important."
He settled back against his desk, arms crossed over his chest.
"They also place some level of importance on positive interaction with other people," he continued. "The list of Fundamental Human Needs places a special emphasis on this, and bases its list on things that have been constants through all human time periods, through all cultures. While it covers subsistence immediately, the rest of the categories break off into things like 'affection,' 'understanding,' 'participation.' All social in nature." Jono took a moment to glance around the room, from person to person, and smiled faintly. "Obviously, your own mileage might vary. Perhaps you're all perfectly happy little hermits, and you've no need for sentient interaction in the least. In which case, I'm not entirely certain what you're doing here, but you might as well settle back and listen, all the same."
Jono reached for his coffee and took a mouthful before pressing on with his lecture.
"What you really need to take out of this, as people who might be walking on the edge of society in one way or another, is that people, people in general, have some deep, pressing need to belong. They need to interact with others, and I'd be surprised if even the most surly of you were to honestly tell me otherwise. There is not a person in this room who hasn't made a friend, at some point in their lives or even at some point during their time on the island. Of that I am certain." He smiled faintly. "So, today we're going to come up with ways to take our knowledge of that need and turn it to our own advantage. Whether you're on the outside looking in, or on the inside wishing you could get the hell out, there will likely be somebody right there with you, or at least standing nearby and looking at the rest of the world from a position that means that you could familiarize yourself with them if only you tried. So. You tell me, from your own personal standpoints, from what you've seen and what you've done, if you were to find such a person, what potential use does that person have for you, in particular. A friend? An ally? A business associate? Fodder?"
He was pretty sure there were a few in the room who would list 'fodder.'
"And then, I want you to figure out your own personal needs and list them off in order from most important to least, as you would list it. Leaving things on either of the handouts off or adding them is fine. I want you to think of what it is that you believe you cannot possibly live without. Sharing with the class is optional, but encouraged."
[Open!]
Activity 2 - Personal Needs
Share with the class, if you want, or just keep the list on hand for your own personal benefit.
Re: Activity 2 - Personal Needs
It was less physical needs that gave her trouble. What did she need?
The list of things was incredibly small when she thought about what she actually needed.
"Other than those that are required for living, such as food and water," Yeul said, "the only other things I believe I need are tranquility, peace of mind, and adaptability."
... Yeul's existence was a peculiar one.
And being without Caius, or anyone else to talk to, would be lonely. For all of that, however, she did not think it would be impossible if she had the three things she listed as needing.
Re: Activity 2 - Personal Needs
He wasn't about to try to drown himself to find out, either way.
"I guess the things I need the most -- besides the physical stuff -- are friendship, achievement and respect," he said, still looking at the worksheet. "So, you know. The little things."
Re: Activity 2 - Personal Needs
Re: Activity 2 - Personal Needs
Re: Activity 2 - Personal Needs
Re: Activity 2 - Personal Needs
She'd never really been destitute, but they'd lived close enough to it for long enough, and she spent enough time living around and working with Gotham's lowest social strata, that she didn't really have many illusions about necessities.
Well, read the post-script, just in case anyone happened to read this and try to pry about her family, and maybe a decent supply of chocolate.
Re: Activity 2 - Personal Needs
Really, she'd survived on that for years. She didn't need much to get by.
Re: Activity 2 - Personal Needs
Sanity, she wrote. Freedom. Someone to talk to.
Re: Activity 2 - Personal Needs