Contriving

A couple years ago I set up a gmail account for my infant daughter and I started sending her emails about lessons I hope she learns, things she does, thoughts or ideas that move me and I hope she will also find moving.  Basically, I'm writing letters to her future self.

I just wrote my 200th email to her!  It was inspired by the chapter in Carl Sagan's Demon Haunted World in which he talks about inspiring and educating children (I'm currently re-reading this book).

I talked about the difficulties she's going to have with regards to finding inspiration in a society where showing wonder and an interest in science and math isn't lauded.  Where women in particular don't seem to receive a lot of encouragement in developing a sense of wonderment with regards to science (not that I have a much of a clue about the challenges that women face).  Where the vast majority of people in her life will probably be almost the antithesis of the curious-investigator-of-the-universe archetype.

I'm not sure at which age I'll give her access to this email account.  I'd like her to read them when she's old enough to understand, but early enough that they can hopefully bring her comfort and help her make good decisions.

I also need to figure out a way for her to get access in the event of my untimely demise…

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