What is a culture of generosity and how can it be used to improve education? What does it mean to say, "Free cultures get what they celebrate?" How can you as a leader affect what your celebrate?

Clay Shirkey's talk inspires to do more than nothing even it is the creation of yet another LOL cat.  The push to dream, strive and create are the foundations of Self-determination theory which is nested within intrinsic motivation.  We do most what we love most whether it be informing other about what is going on in the world, warning others of danger or create a silly cat image with a memorable tag line.

We have seen this phenomenon over and over and over again.  Wikipedia, Linux and Ushahidi are examples of people doing what they love or see as important for no value other than the thrill of creating something new.  This makes me wonder what we as educators celebrate and how we can free the students within our cultures.

I was reminded of something Mike Wesch said in his TED talk.  Wesch asked his students how much of the assigned reading they completed.  Further he asked them how much they felt was relevant to their lives.  The astounding answer was 27%.  He went on to say that this signifies a failure in teaching.  

Can we create generous academic cultures where students create meaning, feel that their work is relevant to their lives and teach each other for the sole motivation that what they do betters themselves and their peers?  Don't know who is out there that can do that, but I'd sign up to work there in a heartbeat!