The Seed Ch 10

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Questions and Answers

What physical change did Josh notice in Mr. Goldman?

He smelled different.

He had less hair and a rounder face. (correct)

He had grown taller.

He had more hair.

What did Mr. Goldman mean when he said, 'Same classes but different lessons'?

He was teaching entirely different subjects.

He was teaching classes online instead of in person.

He was constantly updating his lectures on the same subject to keep things fresh. (correct)

He was using new books for same courses.

According to Mr. Goldman, where should one look to find the origin of music?

To the sky and celestial bodies. (correct)

To nature and the sounds of animals.

To ancient musical instruments.

To the recordings of famous musicians.

What does the term 'universe' literally mean, according to Mr. Goldman?

One song. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why Mr. Goldman tweaks his lectures?

To ensure he doesn't put himself or the students to sleep. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the idea of the music of the spheres according to the chapter?

It's a form of harmonic cosmic and spiritual music created by celestial bodies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Jewish tradition believe about the music of the spheres?

That it offers the cosmos a way of praising the creator. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Mr. Goldman, what is the primary role of college in relation to a person's purpose?

To prepare individuals for their purpose by helping them transition into adulthood and learn their likes and dislikes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental concept behind the idea that we are all part of 'the one song'?

Each individual has a unique role to play, contributing their specific sound to a larger collective creation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Josh's feelings of sadness are primarily attributed to:

His inability to identify his specific purpose in life or the 'note' he is meant to play. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did Josh specifically love most about his time in college, according to his own reflection?

The freedom to become his own person and the constant personal growth and learning. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Josh feel like he and the furniture at his current job leave similar impacts?

He lacks significant positive impact at work which makes him feel easily replaced, similar to how furniture is easily replaced in the office. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Goldman compare discovering and living out one's purpose to?

Playing a note in a symphony, which contributes to the larger whole. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Josh asking for 'a very clear sign'?

It suggests his eagerness to find a solution and to plant his seed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Josh's Meeting with Professor Goldman

Josh visits his former professor, Mr. Goldman, seeking clarity about his life's purpose.
Goldman emphasizes that college isn't the place to find your purpose but a place to prepare for it.
Goldman discusses the concept of "the one song," referring to the universe as a unified musical expression.
Each individual has a unique note to play in this symphony.
Finding and playing one's note brings joy and fulfillment to the creator.

The One Song Concept

The universe is compared to a single, harmonious song.
Origin of music traced to celestial bodies' orbital movements.
This "music of the spheres" unseen sounds provide a spiritual and harmonic system.
Religions have different interpretations of its meaning (e.g., Buddhist meditation, Jewish cosmic praise).
The one song is a creative expression of the ultimate creator, analogous to earthly music.

Josh's Reflection

Josh, upon visiting the professor, feels lost and uncertain about his role and purpose in life.
He acknowledges his yearning to play his unique "note" in the larger musical expression of existence.
Josh reflects on the autonomy and learning environment of college vs. the feeling of being replaceable at work, leading to feelings of unhappiness.
Josh feels a longing for the happiness and self-discovery he experienced in college.
He realizes his lack of agency and creativity in his current job.

Professor Goldman's Advice

Goldman advises that college prepares individuals for their purpose, encouraging Josh to reflect on his college experiences.
Josh's core college experiences (autonomy, learning, and personal growth) are highlighted as key parts in defining his purpose.
Goldman reiterates the idea that each person's purpose is unique, and finding it isn't about a specific place or moment.