It is not so important to know everything as to appreciate what we learn.
by Hannah More
Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.
by John Dewey
I noticed recently that I have a tendency to say I am stupid. I find I have spent a lot of time in the last 10 years of my life confusing a lack of effort and responsibility as stupidity. I became very comfortable with chalking things up to the fact that I don’t have a “proper education.”
Basically, I was saying that if I had a degree of some sort, I wouldn’t make the mistakes I have made. The funny thing is, in my opinion, intelligence and mindfulness have very little to do with sitting in a classroom. Now don’t get me wrong; I think education and learning are truly two of the most important things in life, but what I was doing was limiting myself by believing that having a degree is the only measure of knowledge. The truth of the matter is that we are forever learning; it never stops.
Really, it’s just a matter of recognizing and embracing this. I am an eternal student, and I am loving all the opportunities I have to grow and evolve. I loved school, and I look forward to returning one day. I think the value of spending time with people who are dedicating themselves to evaluating, researching, and deepening their own understanding of whatever it is they are choosing to study is so admirable and valuable.
I feel like entering an environment with an awareness of life-long learning is very important. It feels like this recognition will increase one’s potency as a student. Once I started to approach everything I do in my life as though it was a college course, I began to see my own intellectual value and enjoy the process of life so much more! It kind of feels like it takes a bit of the pressure off!
Thanks, all! Keep thinking!
Allison
