"This remarkable and original book on education dares to begin - not with policy, curriculum, or measurement - but with fire. Grounding philosophical enquiry in the embodied practice of fire-lighting, Code rekindles questions of purpose, meaning, and human becoming. Through an autobiographical lens, the text reveals that philosophy must remain rooted in lived experience, and that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge, but a process of kindling awakening, tending, and sustaining what makes us most deeply human. This book speaks to practitioners of education and to anyone wishing to ensure that our educational systems maintain warmth, wonder and vitality."
-- Dr. Charlotte von Bülow, Senior Lecturer in Leadership, University of the West of England and Founder of Crossfields Europa and Luna Associates ApS
"This book gave me the courage to let my students face troublesome situations as necessary steps on the way to mastery, rather than sheltering them with didactical tricks that disguise the real challenge of the subject. Jonathan Code demonstrates the art of stepping aside while remaining deeply present, so that students can experience the transformation of becoming that genuine education makes possible. By tracing the mastery behind the craft of fire-lighting with all its struggles, Code holds up a magnifying glass through which I see my own teaching anew."
Martin Lauesen, biology and mathematics teacher at Michael Skolen, Denmark
"This book starts with teaching the ancient craft of firelighting to reflect on pedagogy and the philosophy of education. It runs counter to the dominant instrumental aim that education is solely to gain a job. It is at the cost of selling the younger generation short . As the ideology and practice of Neo-Liberalism collapse this book proves timely. Jonathan Codes uses a practical activity that blossoms into a philosophy that emphasises the importance of a well rounded education. It is a must read for parents and teachers who believe that education has an important role in developing young people for an uncertain future."
-- Professor Hugh Lauder, Department of Education, International Centre for Higher Education Management (ICHEM) and Centre for the Analysis of Social Policy and Society (CASPS)
