Are you a lifelong learner?
Learning is an endless journey essential to human development. Unlike animals, humans harness their cognitive abilities to express thoughts and adapt through experience, which deepens understanding and fosters practical skills essential for navigating life’s challenges. Traditional classroom education often falls short, emphasising rote memorisation over real-world applicability. The past Gurukul system combined practical training with theoretical knowledge, a model that has degraded into profit-driven educational practices today. Individuals differ in their intrinsic desire to learn; while some resist change, others embrace it, recognising that continuous learning enriches life. Embracing new ideas and technologies enhances personal growth and societal progress, making lifelong learning a vital pursuit.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Learning is an endless journey essential for human development, transcending traditional classroom education.
- The Gurukul system of ancient India combined practical training with theory, unlike today’s profit-driven education.
- Experience-based learning adds value, preparing individuals for real-world challenges beyond mere rote memorization.
- Curiosity drives human progress, leading to technological advancements that enhance life and foster continuous learning.
- Change is inevitable and essential; embracing new ideas leads to growth and lifelong satisfaction in learning.
Everlasting
Learning is an unending and everlasting process. No one is perfect, nor can they claim perfection for themselves. Humans especially can’t declare it because with a well-developed brain, cognitive power, thoughts and speech, they are at the top of the organic world. Compared to animals, which are mute and have fewer emotions, humans can well express their thoughts by speech, writing or behaviour. This human quality gives them speciality of learning. Their brain is full of thoughts. They keep translating their thoughts into actions through voluntary actions. In this process, they keep learning. (Teachers.Institute)
Learning is wide
Learning is not confined to a classroom which teaches for a few minutes. A student does not learn in the classroom; rather, they cram the “knowledge”, which is no more than a boring set of information. The information gathered in the classroom doesn’t prepare a future adult citizen, but it stuffs their brain with all “irrelevant” information that is of no use in their life. Mechanically stuffed information into a child’s brain goes somewhere in the back of the mind like unused items in a backyard. Mugging dates in history lessons, for example, gives no insight to a person. It causes over-stuffing and makes the study monotonous and dull.
School education
The school or classrooms are like portals that allow a glimpse of the outside world and prepare for tomorrow. Schools do not impart “education”, but are factories of “stuffed-toys”. The students passing out of schools are yet wet behind the ears. They need real-world exposure to cope with the harsh world, which is ruthless and has no time for anyone. Learning with fun helps children learn easily. Toys designed for the purpose help children. These toys and instruments are easily available on the famous site, Amazon by clicking here
Learning by experience
Experience-based learning adds quality and value to life. A fresher college pass-out is raw, without practical knowledge of dealing with tricky or complex situations. It is not instantaneous, but a long and steady process that comes from learning with experience. It takes time and sometimes a whole life. Training is a type of education where a trainee gets exposure to practical situations and ways to deal with them. The trainee gets a blend of theoretical knowledge and practice. It is this learning that prepares a future workforce for coping with ground situations. A trained person is mentally prepared for challenges. Learning, thus, is more important and carries a social “obligation” than routine classroom studies. Schools mandatory but not relevant.
Money minting
The seats of “learning” are gradually transforming into money-making tools. Heavy fee structures, exorbitant and unreasonable charges, costly books and stationery all add undue pressure on the parents and guardians of the students. This is deteriorating the whole system of education which is staggering on crutches of learning.
Gurukul system
In antediluvian India, there used to be a “Gurukul” system where the seeker was to join a “Gurukul” of a teacher of their choice before learning started. Besides learning routines, the seeker, who used to be a resident scholar, was required to perform housekeeping chores of the hermitage. This ensured imparting knowledge and practical training to the bachelors of the hermitage. After completing studies, a customary “Gurudakshina” was to be given to the teacher to become a perfect scholar. The system was often misused. Sage Dronacharya asked for the right-hand thumb of his ostensible pupil Eklavya. Similarly, Karna managed to join Parashurama’s hermitage by providing him with a misleading self-declaration. When revealed, Parashurama became furious and cursed his disciple, saying that in dire need, he (Karna) would forget all that he had learnt.
Curiosity and learning
The human mind is very curious. It propels them to know more and learn about the intricacies of the natural world. The thirst for knowledge and desire to know more have contributed to the broad and varied human knowledge base. It ranges from knowing about oneself, their physical body and its function to history and the surrounding environment. As learning grew, the treasure of knowledge swelled, necessitating the classification of knowledge into various categories based on its nature. The acquisition of pure knowledge was not useful. Humans learned to apply the knowledge for their welfare. This was the applied knowledge that emerged as technology. It spread its wings and covered almost every aspect of humans and their existence. Technology is now an inseparable part of human development.
Learning and Technology
Learning to use the knowledge revolutionised human life. From performing gargantuan tasks to petty things, the applied knowledge opened different avenues catalysing human growth and development. It all started with the invention of wheels around 3500 BC. Wheels gave speed and convenience to humans. The technological advancements enhanced the utility and design of wheels which are widely used in almost every field during modern times. On the same token, the curiosity of James Watt that told him about the power of steam led to the invention of steam locomotives. Using wheels and the power of steam, the technology revolutionised transportation. Heavy iron wagons begin hauling on rails naming the system, Railways.
Fast transportation
The globe didn’t increase in size, but the human population grew fast. As the new creatures who preferred to call themselves sapiens began spreading everywhere on the terra firma of the globe. With the increase in population, humans’ needs increased exponentially too. Having a curious mind and a burning desire to learn something new and apply it for broader welfare, humans endeavoured to develop new technologies. The use of animals as means of transport was replaced by machines. Railways, roadways, waterways and airways have fast changed. Heavy machines in the form of trains, buses, trucks, huge ships and aeroplanes are now in use.
Wish of learning
The desire to learn is intrinsic. It can’t be imposed but can be honed by practice. Different persons have different degrees of the desire which depends upon the personality and disposition of the individual.
Callous
Some have less desire because of their apathetic and callous disposition while some show enthusiasm towards learning. The people of the former category are slow learners and don’t take things proactively. Sceptical as they are, they hesitate in adopting new methods, ways or things. They tend to criticise new things, the younger generation and their way of thinking. They try to cling to the old, worn-out ways and things and draw sadistic pleasure in scathing new and modern ways.
Enthusiastic
Contrary to the reluctant people, there are people who open heartedly embrace change and eager to learn new things to update themselves. Learning new skills, techniques, language or simply doing something new gives them joy and satisfaction. They appreciate new things, fresh ideas and new ways to refresh themselves.
Change is inevitable
Stagnant water in a puddle becomes stale and lifeless while a free-flowing stream remains fresh and lively. Watching a free-flowing stream with spilling crystalline water droplets conveys a sense of vigour and vivacity. It is because the stream is ever-changing. Full of vitality, the running stream is enchanting. It messages that every change is good for growth and development. Stagnation is lethargy and lifeless. It is inertia. Nature also prefer change is evident that the Earth underwent numerous changes that gave rise to numerous life forms and colourful lifeless things like glittering crystals, white sand beaches, sand dunes and lofty ice capped mountains.
Learning is a boon
Learning new things, new ways of life, new technology and trying new gadgets give pleasure and self-satisfaction. It elevates the soul and prepare for future exigencies. It’s importance has been recognised by the organisations and governments. It is emphasised to upskill their workforce according to their position and work. Refresher courses are offered and incentivised by organisations for their workers. It enhances their work experience and calibre. The new ideas, new techniques drastically changes the mindset.
Three decades ago, when computers were making inroads, they faced discontent and opposition from naysayers. With time, it became an essential part of and computers have become an essential part of life. The advent of new-generation computing techniques has enhanced speed, accuracy, efficiency and hassle-free handling. From railway reservation to aeroplane ticketing and from food ordering to online shopping and online learning, everything has constricted in a palm-sized gadget, the smartphone. Like a genie, they are always at the service of their masters, any time and anywhere.
a bliss
Learning new things is bliss. It not only gives satisfaction but also satiates the feeling of self respect also. Learning is a lifelong process which works quietly without announcing its function. It improves the quality of work, thereby increasing the quality and quantity. People should proudly say that they are eternal learners by keeping themselves updated. Reading, writing and experimenting with new things are important and acceptable.
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
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