Learning something new

[coberst]

Learning something new

It is understandable that it is difficult to begin the process of comprehending a new domain of knowledge. Our educational system is designed to provide a teacher to hold our hand as we begin the process of learning new stuff. However, when our school days are over and we must begin to comprehend new domains of knowledge on our own we must learn how to learn without this hand holding.

If we are not to be destined to a life time of ignorance we must learn how to learn on our own. This can be a futile exercise in which we finally capitulate or it can be the beginning of the most marvelous adventure available to humans.

I suggest that one stick with it and fight the urge to give up. You will quickly find that the investment of time and rational effort will pay off with great rewards. Just start with the acknowledgment that you are now the ‘master of your own domain’ and as such every effort will result in learning that will make the next effort easier.

I write these essays for posting after spending a great amount of time and energy in trying to enter a new domain of knowledge. Just like you, I find it difficult and frustrating, unlike you, however, I have done this many times and have developed confidence that I can and will comprehend the matter if I control my impatience and stick with it.

I am a retired engineer and self-actualizing self-learning is my hobby. I moved here to the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina seven years ago and the first thing I did was to visit the library at a local college and to acquire a “Friends of the Library card. For a yearly fee of $25 I can borrow any book from this great library.

I suggest that everyone acquire such a library card when their school days are over. If a person is to become a self-learner after their school daze are over they need access to a large library so that when they find something that interests them they can easily find what the best thinkers in the world think abut these matters.

Questions for discussion

Why is access to a large college library important for self-learning?

Why is it important that we have a constant input of new ideas?

I think that we are unconsciously working out solutions for our questions and when we do not supply our mind with new questions our mind will just be wasted in trivia. Have you experienced the mind unconsciously helping you resolve questions?