Many highly talented, brilliant, creative people think they’re not—because the thing they were good at in school wasn’t valued. - Sir Ken Robinson
Let me start with a story.
When I was a young boy in school, I was once asked by a teacher to draw a picture of anything I wanted. I drew a rather peculiar-looking dragon. My teacher frowned, tilted her head, and said, ‘Well, that’s not how dragons look.’ And I thought, ‘How does she know? Has she met one?’
You see, from an early age, we’re told what things should look like, how they should behave, and often, how we should behave too. Education, as it stands, has become a system that often prioritizes uniformity over individuality, conformity over curiosity.
But what if we flipped the script? What if we reimagined education as a journey of discovery, creativity, and connection—one that mirrors the dynamic and diverse ways we, as human beings, experience the world? What if we taught using the archetypes and rhythms that have shaped human culture for millennia?”
The Archetypes: Universal Patterns of Learning
“Let me introduce you to the Divinator, a framework of 72 archetypes across 9 octaves, each representing universal principles of existence. These archetypes aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re reflections of the human journey, woven into storytelling, art, and even science.
Take The Seed, for example. It represents beginnings, potential, the moment of inspiration. Every new idea, every creative spark, every child entering a classroom carries the energy of The Seed.
Or consider The River, symbolizing flow, connection, and adaptability. It teaches us the importance of moving with life’s rhythms, rather than against them—a lesson we often forget in the rigidity of traditional education.”
The Octaves: The Rhythms of Growth
“Now, the archetypes are organized into 9 octaves, each representing a different phase of growth and exploration.
The first octave begins with foundations—potential and the courage to start. It’s where we ask, ‘What is possible?’ It’s the sandbox where children are allowed to play, experiment, and discover.
By the time we reach the ninth octave, we’re exploring transcendence—connection to the greater whole, and the realization that learning is an infinite loop of becoming.
Think of the octaves as the notes of a symphony. Together, they create harmony—a holistic, dynamic approach to education.”
Education as a Living System
“This framework challenges the current model of education as a static, factory-based system. Instead, it invites us to see education as a living organism, one that adapts to the needs of the student, the teacher, and even the society it serves.
In an archetypal school, learning wouldn’t just happen in straight lines or by ticking off boxes. It would flow, like The River. Each classroom could represent an octave. Each activity could be chosen by the student, aligning with their natural rhythms and curiosity.
What’s more, this approach engages the whole person—not just their intellect, but their emotions, creativity, and physicality. A child stuck in rigid systems will rebel. A child free to explore will thrive.”
Why This Matters for Teachers and Schools
“Now, I can hear some of you thinking, ‘Well, that’s all very poetic, but how does this work for teachers? For schools? For the system itself?’
Let me tell you: the archetypal approach is a gift for educators. It provides:
Clarity: Teachers can see where a student is on their journey—whether they’re planting seeds, navigating challenges, or refining their skills.
Flexibility: Archetypes provide a framework, not a cage. Teachers can adapt lessons to their students’ needs, while still meeting curriculum goals.
Engagement: This approach naturally captures students’ attention by aligning with universal themes they instinctively understand.
For schools, it creates a culture of collaboration and creativity, where every subject, every lesson, becomes part of a larger, interconnected story.”
From Boredom to Engagement
“Sir Ken Robinson once famously said, ‘Many highly talented, brilliant, creative people think they’re not—because the thing they were good at in school wasn’t valued.’
The archetypal framework flips this on its head. It values every talent, every journey. The child who loves building things can live in The Forge. The dreamer who sees connections in the stars can navigate The Compass. The student who needs to sit quietly and reflect will find solace in The Oracle.
This isn’t just education—it’s resonance. It’s finding the rhythm of learning that works for each child and letting it sing.”
A New Era of Education
“We stand at a crossroads. The old systems of education are creaking under the weight of a changing world. But this moment is also an opportunity—to create something bold, transformative, and timeless.
The Divinator isn’t just a framework. It’s a reminder that learning is a journey, not a destination. That life is cyclical, not linear. That every student, every teacher, every human being carries within them the spark of potential, waiting to be nurtured.
Imagine classrooms where children are excited to learn, where teachers are inspired to teach, where schools become communities of discovery, not compliance. This isn’t a dream—it’s a choice we can make today.”
Closing: The Power of Possibility
“As I close, let me leave you with this thought: Education isn’t about filling a bucket—it’s about lighting a fire.
And these archetypes, these octaves—they are the sparks, the kindling, the logs on that fire. They remind us of what we’ve always known: that learning is as natural as breathing, as vast as the stars, and as infinite as our imagination.
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