Learning has a profound effect on our well-being. Unlocking such effects, however, requires a key: The Pursuit for More Must Never Cease.
Lifelong learning can be broken down into three phases:
Phase 1: We fully depend on others as we learn
Phase 2: Others fully depend on us as we learn
Phase 3: We fully depend on learning to lengthen our lives
Phase 1:
From the moment we enter the world, our never-ending quest for knowledge begins. As newborns, we instinctively grasp at the world around us, absorbing information through curiosity. Our eyes widen at the sight of colors, our noses perk at unfamiliar scents, and our ears intently listen as new noises surround us. We study the expressions on our caregivers faces and begin to recognize emotions and reactions. Every touch, sight, sound, and smell contributes to our understanding of the world. However large or small we believe it is.
As we grow, learning becomes intertwined with physical development. We discover how our bodies move — reaching for objects, rolling around on the floor, crawling across the room, and eventually taking our first steps toward independence. We begin to absorb speech like sponges — recognizing familiar voices and rhythms, allowing us to mimic noises and begin to understand language. Every interaction lays the foundation for our communication and social skills.
The more we feed it with knowledge, the hungrier our brains become in this initial phase. Infants constantly channel their inner Lewis and Clark, exploring new environments, solving simple problems, and gaining experience with cause-and-effect scenarios. The complex thinking and decision-making skills developed from this early age are meant to prepare us for our upcoming 13+ years of formal education.
The K-12 education system is intended to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning. Each grade is meant to provide a broad spectrum of subjects that are thought to make us well-rounded individuals. From mathematics and science to literature and history, these years introduce us, as students, to essential concepts that serve as building blocks for more advanced education.
By learning to think critically and analyze information effectively, we become better equipped to solve more complex problems and enhance our decision-making capabilities, which helps us in the next phase when others begin to depend on us.
Although the education system in any country is far from perfect, the experience for most is invaluable. Absorbing information from textbooks, sitting through lectures, and passing exams play a minor role in the impact schooling has on our lives. The more significant impact lies in the interpersonal relationships we form through group projects and the different perspectives we discover. This helps us develop empathy. It also lies in the teachers that nurture curiosity and creativity in their classrooms by inspiring students to seek answers and encourage imagination. This promotes innovation. Finally, the K-12 experience, if executed properly by the education system, fosters a love for learning. One that doesn’t end at graduation. Or ever.
Phase 2:
As we mature and exit the standard education system, we enter the second phase of learning - one where the roles are reversed. No longer are we dependent on others to provide us with knowledge. Instead, society depends on us to use our education and experiences from phase 1 to contribute in various aspects of life. This could include our growing families, professional careers, or local communities. Whether we’re raising kids to be respectful or mentoring new employees at our company, our ability to contribute is a testament to the growth we’ve achieved to this point.
By selflessly displaying our expertise, we become catalysts for collective growth. Our contributions act as puzzle pieces, joining with others through collaboration to advance toward a common goal. The results are seen throughout society. Consider the impact scientists have on medicine, teachers on future generations, and doctors on the health of loved ones, simply by sharing their knowledge.
To accept the responsibility of knowledge contributor, continuous learning remains vital. Regardless of career path or family dynamic, we must remain open to new ideas and advancements. The ability to adapt and evolve, because of our learnings allows our expertise to remain relevant. These efforts not only ensure our contributions stay in demand - they also benefit our own personal growth.
The second phase of learning showcases the power of knowledge more than the others. It proves that learning enriches our lives and the lives of those around us, by adding value to the world and leaving a mark that extends far beyond our personal achievement.
Phase 3:
In the third and final phase of learning, our efforts come full circle. No longer are we dependent on others and no longer are others dependent on us. Instead, we come to the realization that learning isn’t a means to an end; it’s a lifeline. This phase involves reflection, revision, and a newfound commitment to learning.
Although we may not be the sponges we once were, we’ve exited the confined formal education of our younger years. Finally, we have the freedom to explore new interests that increase our daily joy and keep our minds curious and fine-tuned. Books, TED talks, hobbies, new skills, clubs, puzzles - there are no more boundaries on passions.
In this phase; the quest for knowledge isn’t designed only to stimulate us intellectually - it’s also linked to the pursuit of longevity. The connection between learning and life goes beyond the mental activity itself. It creates a cognitive fountain of youth and a positive emotional impact that ripples through every aspect of life.
Case and point, a study led by the University of Michigan Institute of Social Research, found those that read books for 30 minutes per day, on average, “showed a survival advantage” over non-readers that equates to a 23-month difference in longevity. The researchers attribute this drastic increase in lifespan to the critical thinking skills, reasoning, empathy, and emotional intelligence that evolves from deep reading - each of which can improve our well-being.
The purpose of learning isn’t to affirm what we already know - it’s to evolve our beliefs. Wrong about something? Good. Being wrong is the only way to truly be sure we’ve learned something. As such, it’s important to use everything we can as a learning opportunity. Social interactions, technological advancements, books on unfamiliar subjects. Everything in the past, present, and future has the ability to alter our beliefs as long as we keep an open mind.
Photo Credit:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/bilingual-babies-benefit-from-faster-learning-9713028.html
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/adult-learners-challenges-and-strategies
https://www.whitneycenter.com/continuing-the-pursuit-for-lifelong-learning-during-retirement/
https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=footprints+desert