B.F. Skinner’s Walden II is a work of fiction that describes the application of behavioral psychological theory to a utopian society.
Radical Behavioral theory generally ignores things that cannot be observed. Nature is a teacher to a radical behaviorist who would believe that things can be learned from observing nature itself. As a nod to nature, the fictional organizers of Walden II based their name on Thoreau’s Walden.
Walden II is the fictional utopian society that is described in the book Walden II. There are numerous thought provoking observations and insights regarding human nature and ingenuity in the book. While their effectiveness can be debated, the ideas themselves are immensely thought provoking.
In discussing education within the context of Walden II, several academics from the outside world are discussing education with one of the leaders of the utopia. The leader, whom they are speaking to, describes education as nothing more than reading, thinking about what you read, and then writing about it. This is startling to the academic fellows from the outside.
As I read I gain intellectual inertia that I transform into written words. If I’m not reading, I’m probably not writing.
There are so many interesting topics that Walden II discusses, many are relevant to social engineering, education, and overall enjoyment of life.
In my blogs I avoid discussing religion and politics. Everybody has an opinion and for the purposes of publication I keep mine to myself. I do not line myself up with the ideology of Walden II, but, perhaps like Voltaire, I appreciate reading about it and the fact that it was written about.

Posted by Drew