Learning & Leading With Habits of Mind

Celebrate what you want to see more of.

—Tom Peters

Visitors to the town of Pugwash in Nova Scotia, Canada, are greeted with
this sign: “Welcome to PUGWASH, Home of the Thinkers.” The city
obviously is proud that it was the site of the first Pugwash Conference in
1957, which brought together 22 influential scientists to discuss the threat
of thermonuclear weapons. Since then, a variety of scholars and govern-
ment leaders have met at Pugwash Conferences around the world to con-
sider issues related to armed conflict and global problems. The Pugwash
Conferences and Joseph Rotblat, one of the group’s founders, were
awarded the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize.
“Home of the Thinkers” sends a bold message about what the com-
munity of Pugwash values. Their welcome sign could easily recognize the
city’s beautiful seaside setting, its summertime Gathering of the Clans
celebration, or its deep historical ties. Instead, Pugwash calls itself “Home
of the Thinkers.”
Many schools proclaim that they value the Habits of Mind. By them-
selves, however, proclamations are empty. Schools can’t just say they
value the Habits of Mind and expect success. The habits must be lived

271

Creating a Culture of Mindfulness

Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick

15