\proh-lih-GAH-muh-nahn\
noun
: prefatory remarks; specifically : a formal essay or critical discussion serving to introduce and interpret an extended work
My first thoughts: So, why not just prologue?
Oh, well, because PROLEGOMENON cannot introduce just any work; the word specifically applies to introducing a work of scholarly analysis.
I see. This explains why its unnecessarily long and difficult to pronounce.
Yes. Exactly.
*
I really want this word to have something to do with LEGOs. Like, a composite of pro + LEGO + phenomenon. I would like to be a part of this phenomenon.
LEGOs were invented in the 1940s by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Kristiansen. The term LEGO comes from the Danish phrase leg godt, which means play well. Ole Kirk took his LEGOs seriously; his motto was: kun det bedste er godt nok, or only the best is good enough, a sentiment still used within the company today.
LEGO still produces out of Billund, Denmark, under Kristiansen rule. The LEGO website tells me that, in sales, LEGO is the fifth largest manufacturer of toys. I don't know who are the better four.
I click on the Jobs link, thinking: this could be my future (I think this often about a variety of outcomes). LEGO prompts me to check out their values before researching a career with their group. In case you are wondering, this is what it takes to be a LEGO employee:
The LEGO® Brand values
Imagination:
Curiosity asks, ”Why?” and imagines explanations or possibilities (if.. then). Playfulness asks what if? and imagines how the ordinary becomes extraordinary, fantasy or fiction. Dreaming it is a first step towards doing it.
Free play is how children develop their imagination – the foundation for creativity
Creativity
Creativity is the ability to come up with ideas and things that are new, surprising and valuable.
Systematic creativity is a particular form of creativity that combines logic and reasoning with playfulness and imagination.
Fun
Fun is the happiness we experience when we are fully engaged in something that requires mastery (hard fun), when our abilities are in balance with the challenge at hand and we are making progress towards a goal. Fun is both in the process, and in the completion.
Fun is being active together, the thrill of an adventure, the joyful enthusiasm of children and the delight in surprising both yourself and others in what you can do or create.
Learning
Learning is about opportunities to experiment, improvise and discover – expanding our thinking and doing (hands-on, minds-on), helping us see and appreciate multiple perspectives.
Caring
Caring is about the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of children, for our partners, colleagues and the world we find ourselves in, and considering their perspective in everything we do.
Going the extra mile for other people, not because we have to – but because it feels right and because we care.
Caring is about humility – not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.
Quality
From a reputation for manufacturing excellence to becoming trusted by all – we believe in quality that speaks for itself and earns us the recommendation of all.
For us quality means the challenge of continuous improvement to be the best toy, the best for children and their development and the best to our community and partners.
Imagination:
Curiosity asks, ”Why?” and imagines explanations or possibilities (if.. then). Playfulness asks what if? and imagines how the ordinary becomes extraordinary, fantasy or fiction. Dreaming it is a first step towards doing it.
Free play is how children develop their imagination – the foundation for creativity
Creativity
Creativity is the ability to come up with ideas and things that are new, surprising and valuable.
Systematic creativity is a particular form of creativity that combines logic and reasoning with playfulness and imagination.
Fun
Fun is the happiness we experience when we are fully engaged in something that requires mastery (hard fun), when our abilities are in balance with the challenge at hand and we are making progress towards a goal. Fun is both in the process, and in the completion.
Fun is being active together, the thrill of an adventure, the joyful enthusiasm of children and the delight in surprising both yourself and others in what you can do or create.
Learning
Learning is about opportunities to experiment, improvise and discover – expanding our thinking and doing (hands-on, minds-on), helping us see and appreciate multiple perspectives.
Caring
Caring is about the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of children, for our partners, colleagues and the world we find ourselves in, and considering their perspective in everything we do.
Going the extra mile for other people, not because we have to – but because it feels right and because we care.
Caring is about humility – not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.
Quality
From a reputation for manufacturing excellence to becoming trusted by all – we believe in quality that speaks for itself and earns us the recommendation of all.
For us quality means the challenge of continuous improvement to be the best toy, the best for children and their development and the best to our community and partners.
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Wow. I especially like the idea of "systematic creativity," logic + imagination. Lovely.
As far as I have found, there is yet to be a scholarly analysis of the LEGO in cultural history. THIS is where a PROLEGOMENON would be most appropriate. Literal + figurative + ironic. An instant classic.
I too would like to live in this Lego utopian society. Sounds terrific. Also am I the only one reading this blog still?
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