Noel Pearson: an enigma

Another Saturday, another story by or about Noel Pearson. He has recently been penning a regular op-ed in the Australian. Each article is compelling and inspiring.

I have never met Noel Pearson. He’s on my list of people I’d love to meet and understand better. In particular, I am curious as to how he stays motivated to always be an outsider to the status quo, always prepared to fight for what he believes in no matter what is against him. He defies conventional political definition, and it is always amusing to see politicians try and use him to their ends, only to end up being disappointed when Mr. Pearson fails to follow the script.

What is his inspiration? No doubt he’d explain most if not all on his desire to see a better world for his people. But many have that basic desire, and so few actually do so much with it. What explains the difference? Is there more to the motivation?

Perhaps he is driven by the desire to prove everyone wrong. Perhaps a more personal motivation. In a definitional sense, someone who is such an outlier must have a relationship to their goals that are not easily rationalised.

What is the secret to his leadership and determination? Whatever they are, I’m glad he’s got the energy to keep doing what he’s doing.

On a separate note, how good’s this quote from the above article, quoting Geoff Higham, principal of the Aurukun school in question:

He says DI accords with his educational philosophy, that every child can learn, given a disciplined routine and effective instruction. But even in his wildest dreams he hadn’t known how effective DI could be.

”I have no doubt the pupils will be at the national level in maths and English in three years’ time, and many children will be one, two or three years above that level.”

Good to learn of people who are playing to the better instincts and making things happen, rather than call for another committee.