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Along Life’s Way
Being a Learner
By Lois E. Wilson
In Proverbs 4, A father states to his sons: “I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching… Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have,
get understanding… Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it
well, for it is your life.” (TNIV)
Learning is a process of discovery from daily situations, associations,
study, and experience. Through it we amass a body of knowledge.
We gain understanding about our knowledge. A mental grasp enables us to
comprehend general relationships of particulars we have learned. We use
our acquired knowledge and understanding to solve problems we encounter
in life.
Wisdom is the ability to discern and assert judgment in our
decisions. It helps us choose positive courses of action and
solutions that are likely to achieve success. Knowledge exists—a tomato
is a fruit; wisdom determines not to put it in a fruit salad.
Unfortunately the saying: “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” is
often true. Now and then one encounters a know-it-all, a person who
believes they know everything about a subject. They are found in all
disciplines. You have scientists debating whether Earth is experiencing
global warming, climate change, or a small ice age. Lay people latch
onto the opinion they agree with, and the battles continue.
It is easy to be absolutely certain about things we do not understand.
It is a virtue to know what we do not know and ask the question, “Is it
there to be known at all— if not at this time, when?”
Eric Hoffer, the longshoreman, social philosopher, and Medal of Freedom
awardee observed, “In times of change learners inherit the earth; while
the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world
that no longer exists”
Therefore, society must be sure that it always continues to support
learners for they are the ones who will be the problem solvers of an
unpredictable future. Who knows which of them will be awardees of Nobel
prizes or Medals of Freedom. Look around you as you go through life,
could the learner you see be a savior of humanity or the planet?
It is difficult to assess the value of what each of us has learned.
Much of it is passive knowledge. It becomes valuable when we activate
it and use it at some future time. Do you still consider yourself a
learner? We are all learners, and we are all teachers to
ourselves and to the learners around us. If we are open to it, we learn
from every place, every person and every experience we encounter. So,
graduates, take on the world—be lifelong learners!!
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