ON LEARNING...

WHILE AT A CYBER CAFE IN THE MORNING:

Good morning to all and sundry,

To begin, I cannot fail to apologize for my long absence. For all who write or take up some recreation or the other, you notice that once you stop something, there is a growing sense of inertia, of contentment with the status quo, and of ever-growing excuses for which you are 'unable' to get back on the horse, so to speak.

Today, let's talk of education: learning in particular; Not of the conventional classroom sense, but rather that borne of daily experiences. Our entire lives are shaped by what we learn, and what we truly learn and absorb is influenced by our preconceptions, opinions and upbringing. It is a selective process wherein we absorb what may stand out as important to us. And what's universally most important to each person? Acceptance. One may find themselves subconsciously highlighting which of their behaviours and of others' behaviours is acceptable, applauded, or deplored. From this personally relative and questionably subjective learning, we self-educate and shape a significant part of our characters.

Based on this argument, one can't help but wonder: Is there such a man as he who has attained straight As in the social examination of character? None. Of course not.

The other day, I was watching a TED Talks video on "Creative houses from reclaimed stuff", and the speaker, Dan Phillips, was questioning the social norms that too often dictate architectural design. At once, what struck me was his very true interpretation of the state of affairs in the modern world, which is as follows:

" ...We have confused Maslow's hierarchy of needs just a little bit. On the bottom tier we have basic needs -- shelter, clothing, food, water, mating and so forth. Second, security. Third, relationships. Fourth, status, self-esteem -- that is, vanity. And we're taking vanity and shoving it down here. And so we end up with vain decisions and we can't even afford our mortgage. We can't even afford to eat anything except beans..."

And so, to reiterate Phillips' wise, woe-inspired words, an obvious concern is that our self-image has taken priority... (to be continued)

BACK HOME IN THE EVENING:

 (continuation) ... over, or at least as much priority as, the primal neccessities that determine our very mortality. From his words, and from what we see and experience every day, it is clear that self-education is a deceptive yet redeeming double-edged sword, whose blade ever threatens to slay us while at the same time serves to fend off malicious and destructive elements.

How therefore, you ask, should one wield this fine sword of his smithing? Even more importantly, how should one forge this fine piece of armory that it may prove to ultimately serve him?

It is, quite plainly, a matter of being courageous in trying times, for it takes courage to learn from an experience; courage to humble oneself and silence the egotistical, self-serving voice whose speech is inspired by volatile emotions of desire and nothing else. It is only through such silence that the less pronounced, yet steadier and more affirming voice of wisdom may arise and guide thee towards the path of righteousness, the path paved by wholesome, objective and most importantly selfless learning.

And so I bid you happy learning!

-Jude