I know I have smart, well informed readers. I’m confident that most everyone who reads these words is someone I would call a lifelong learner.
That being said, I know you are thirsty for new knowledge and in that pursuit may begin to feel, like I do sometimes, that you are getting some things figured out, and becoming an expert in some topics.
Your feeling is likely true – being on a learning path is likely moving you towards mastery – and it is important for many reasons that we don’t get too arrogant or full of ourselves.
Take these two recent events in my life.
The cruise. Last week I was on a cruise ship. As I looked out at the water one morning I was struck by the vastness of it. Of course I “knew” the oceans were large. I learned about how big the oceans were when I was in school. I know this is true, and yet I was reminded of how much more there is, how small I am.
The editorial. In this morning’s New York Times I read a short editorial titled How Many Leaves on the Tree of Life? . the short piece talks about estimates of how many species might exist on planet earth. The estimate cited? 8.7 million. The number currently classified? 1.25 million. (The piece says it would take “303,000 taxonomists working full tilt at a cost of $364 billion just to provide the most basic scientific description of all the unknown species.”)
Wow.
Should this make us think it is futile to keep learning, to try to master a topic or situation?
No.
Rather it must spur us on – in a humble, balanced recognition that our personal learning path must continue. Not because we will “know it all” or “figure it all out” , but because the more we learn, the better equipped we are to make a difference, for ourselves, and for those we serve and lead.
There are lots of books to read, lots of experiences to be had, lots of people to learn from and with. Don’t get discouraged by this fact, and as you continue to learn, remember that the intricacies and opportunities to truly master something important to you won’t come quickly or easily either.
The proverb says there are two best times to plant a tree. 20 years ago and right now.
Plant your learning tree today.
You can’t afford to wait any longer!
Another great post! As a lifelong learner, I really enjoy your articles and often share them with my students.
God bless,
Alvin
Yes, that’s a great perspective to have! It reminds me of the story of Socrates’ trial. He was accused by the oracle of Delphi of being the wisest man in Athens. Yet, he couldn’t believe it. Socrates was confident only in his utter ignorance. “For I know that I have no wisdom, small or great,” he said (See The Apology). Socrates interpreted the oracle’s message as a riddle, which he immediately set out to solve. In the end, he had to confess it was true, but only because, he said at his trial, “…the truth is, O men of Athens, that God only is wise; and in this oracle he means to say that the wisdom of men is little or nothing; he is not speaking of Socrates, he is only using my name as an illustration, as if he said, ‘He, O men, is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing.’”
A similar thought is to consider the number of years of our life during which we are interested in the evolution of our world in a pure way. 10 years, 20 at most? Compare that with the time it takes for the big trends (such as global warming) to develop and it may explains why so many people cannot be bothered. I would say plant 2 trees now if you forgot to plant one twenty years ago
At the ripe old age of 67, I’ve learned that the adage “The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know” is so true. But isn’t it glorious to learn something new every day? That’s what I try to do; from a book, article, conversation with a friend or colleague. My “retirement” career is to pass on everything I’ve learned about selling (life in general) to those who hunger to better themselves; I’m having the time of my life, Kevin. By the way, my grandson has a collection of tractors, too; albeit not the real ones. He fell in love with them at his grandmother’s farm. He’s teaching me all about them.
Robert – thanks for the note. Tell your grandson, John Deere green is the best color on a tractor – toy or real!
Kevin 🙂
This is timely (though I read it several days after the post) and reasonates in me. I always share that I am a life-long learner, and I am constantly aware that I still have so very much more to learn. Your respite on a cruise ship was potentially for refreshment; this proves that leaders should rest, vacation, and take breaks to renew their minds, bodies and spirits. On another note, too often leaders reach a ‘plateau’ by believing they have mastered their field. These are times when we need a challenge or a renewal of passion to go the extra mile by learning something new. In fact, we can learn a lot from the people we lead. Wonderful post!