Metaphors from Alice in Wonderland illustrate firstly the ridiculous ...

The eight stages from Erik Erikson‟s human life-stage virtues (in the first column) correspond with
Erikson‟s developmental phases (in the second column), equivalent developmental phases of rural
institutions (in the third column) and AI Principles (in the fourth column). By paralleling human and
institutional development, the similarities are more noticeable.
The current challenges and approaches that are illuminated in the developmental stages (from the
inception to the maturity phase) of the average rural HEI include consecutive phases which begin
where the rural HEI‟s basic needs are met by a guardian institution. Thereafter, the rural HEI will
autonomously explore, assist, initiate and succeed in basic self-care. The institution‟s self-centredness
develops into an awareness of its unique role, position and responsibility in the community and leads
to exploring and establishing interaction. Overprotection by authorities (e.g. the guardian or policies)
might support self-isolation and self-doubt. As the rural HEI matures, it desires to leave a legacy and
become active and relevant in a variety of communities (from local to international; from physical to
cyber; and so on). The well-matured rural HEIs are distinguished by their integrity and fulfilment.
Along the same lines, I decided – with acknowledgement to Facebook (Figure 2.5) – to indicate my
status (“what‟s on my mind”), my location, my life event and – where possible – a picture thereof on
the map of Wonderland (Figure 2.6). I invited Alice to share in this endeavour.
Figure 2.4: Facebook status, photo, location and life event.
The first two statuses, HOPE and WILL, were located in London in 1855. Although this happened in
Alice‟s life more than a century before my birth, I had memories of similar experiences that dealt with
trusting and/or distrusting, as well as accepting autonomy and/or doubt, in relating with others
and/or me. I argue that whether these decisions were based on experience or intuition does not
influence their credibility.
The third status was located one step after my own status quo and one step before a new beginning.
The emotional turmoil of free-falling through the unknown, changing size and being beyond the point
of no return – the choice between initiative versus guilt – was only bearable, because I believed that
this experience had PURPOSE.
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