Recently I was doing work with some middle school children, and in our discussion we talked about education and the power of knowledge. As you can imagine, some of these kids who have been in the sheltered reality of formal education for the past 7-8 years took the perspective of questioning what is the purpose of learning, and when will they be done with it. I kindly stated that school itself will conclude at some point, however to adapt well in life you will always be challenged to continue learning and gain knowledge for yourself.
Imagine being a school aged child again. Your days are filled with teachers, faculty, and parents all telling you what to do, with what seems like little to no freedom of choice. You long for the day when you can follow your own rules, and blaze your own trail. I shared with these children their days will come sooner than they know and formal education will end, however their quest for knowledge should always be active.
As an adult you may have completed various levels of education. Whether it be a GED, high school diploma, an associates or bachelors degree, or even attained a masters, JD, MD, PhD or whatever certification diploma that you have worked for, and you still should be active in learning.
Below are some common facts about our world and why it is important to challenge your limits in everyway, especially when it comes to learning. You should never stop learning because:
1. Things Change
Pluto was once a planet
The cassette was the best means for portable music
The manufacturing, storage, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverage was illegal
2. Your brain can store as much information as you give it
Your brain is the hard drive of your life and keeps record of everything
Pope Francis speaks 7 languages
The more you know, the less you don’t know
3. You will be able to create opportunities
Employers, friends, and family all benefit from what you know
What you know is your personal resume
You will be able to give the answer of “yes” more often
4. You will be able to share knowledge with others
Great leaders are expected to teach
Experts are people with authoritative knowledge in a particular area
Knowledge changes the world
A child is defined as a son or daughter of any age, so for you children that are above middle school age the message still applies. Work, stretch, and grow in everyway possible, and you will surely gain and maintain the best quality of life.
“Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise. View life as a continuous learning experience.” Denis Waitley
make the rest of your life, the best of your life.