Learning is a great thing and possessing the will to learn is a fine trait in people. I have always admired the so-called renaissance man (or woman!). The person, who with great curiosity, has made new inventions and discoveries, and walked his (or her) own path. It is, it seems to me, curiosity that has motivated these renaissance people. Curiosity and willingness to go to places unseen and doing things previously undone.
I believe that it is this curiosity and the admiration for and humbleness before the great unknown that deserves so much awe. Intelligence and talent are fines characteristics too, but somehow the purity of the motive overshadows them.
A while back I read a blog post written by a woman working in economics. (Unfortunately I cannot recall where I read this, so the reference is quite vague). This woman argued that everyone should make a new year's resolution to learn something new. The reason, however, was not so "pure". No, she argued that everyone should make a commitment to learning something new so that they would not be left behind. Because our society requires constant development and the acquirement of new skills.
Sorry, but no thanks. Life is stressful as it is without adding learning to list of things that one must do in order to be considered acceptable. I can think of so many other reasons to engage in learning:
I believe that it is this curiosity and the admiration for and humbleness before the great unknown that deserves so much awe. Intelligence and talent are fines characteristics too, but somehow the purity of the motive overshadows them.
A while back I read a blog post written by a woman working in economics. (Unfortunately I cannot recall where I read this, so the reference is quite vague). This woman argued that everyone should make a new year's resolution to learn something new. The reason, however, was not so "pure". No, she argued that everyone should make a commitment to learning something new so that they would not be left behind. Because our society requires constant development and the acquirement of new skills.
Sorry, but no thanks. Life is stressful as it is without adding learning to list of things that one must do in order to be considered acceptable. I can think of so many other reasons to engage in learning:
- Learn languages to be able to communicate with those around you and to gain insight into other worlds
- Learn social sciences to understand society
- Learn maths to solve problems
- Learn about nutrition to be healthier
- Learn economics so that the current world will make more sense
- Learn to challenge the way you see the world
- Etc etc
Or, if you are feeling bored, Leonardo Da Vinci had one more good reason for learning:
1 comment:
Oh yes, i definitely agree. Learning should be an organic desire and will and not something needed to be done because society demands it.
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