Author discusses the course that led him to the field of sociology. He argues that sociologists' strength is their immediacy to the subject studied, the social world, and their weakness, sociologists' propensity towards moralism and social ideology. Author advocates detachment for a full understanding of how the social world functions.

Describes a Venezualan effort to develop intelligence, lead by Luis Alberto Machado, Minister of State for the Development of Intelligence. Explains intelligence-enhancing programs emphasizing good prenatal care and infant nutrition and fostering intellectual development in elementary and secondary school classes. (DS)

The author argues that what many educators are failing to include in their high-tech plans is "emotionally charged, intellectually open-ended education." Describes technology-based courses (freshman composition, Internet-based learning groups, e-mail discussion groups, and "cyber-outward bound") that would satisfy intellect and…