To Learn Is to Be Human
The joy and beauty of being a lifelong learner
Hello & welcome to another edition of Beyond Self Improvement!
Last Wednesday, I wrote Self Discovery, Not Self Improvement. The Path of True Contentment.
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The article in three sentences
Learning is part of what makes us human, shaping our worldview. Embracing this journey at every stage deepens our satisfaction and equips us to make wiser decisions. With our natural curiosity as a guide, each day becomes an adventure in understanding and personal growth.
Dear Friends,
The philosopher Jidda Krishnamurti once said, “The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.”
These words capture what it means to be a learning machine. The people who never stop learning—whether they have a college degree or not—often lead the most interesting, satisfying, and fulfilling lives. They rise, as Charlie Munger aptly put it because they're always adding to their well of knowledge
The curious aren't confined to classrooms. You'll find them reading books, engaging in deep conversations, and soaking up knowledge wherever they are. They aren't idly flipping through channels or staring at their phones in public spaces. They're engaging with the world around them, feeding their interests.
They're the tinkerers, the dreamers, the people who are always asking "how," "why," and “what.”
Autodidact: Self-taught person
Philomath: Lover of learning
Polymath: A person of wide-ranging knowledge
Sophophilic: Wisdom-loving
Bibliophile: Lover of books
The philosopher Arnold Edinborough remarked, “Curiosity is the very basis of education.” This spirit of curiosity makes these learning machines different. Years ago, a startup founder mocked me for my extensive reading habit. Clearly, he was not a lifelong learner.
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So, why are these people so wrapped up in learning? Simple: They are deeply in love with life. They see every moment as an opportunity to grow inside and out. These aren't just facts or trivia to them; it's the fabric of existence, beautiful and intricate.
It's essential to remember that our minds are like infinite storage rooms. Every sight, sound, and smell you've ever experienced is tucked away in the recesses of your brain. The best learners understand this and are careful about what they expose themselves to. They avoid cluttering their minds with junk because they know that a clean mental space is crucial for effective thinking and decision-making.
They know their time on Earth is limited and want to soak up every bit of knowledge they can. They are in love with being human. With all the beauty, joy, and even the sorrow, they relish in the experience of life.
Take Bill Gates, for instance. He's not just the guy behind Microsoft—he’s an avid reader, a questioner, and an explorer. When someone asked him on Reddit how he likes to disconnect, Gates talked about his love for tennis, bridge, reading, and even touring interesting places like power plants and garbage dumps.
Warren Buffett is another example. He once advised students at Columbia to read 500 pages a week. One of those students took his advice to heart and now works for him. Imagine that.
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An interesting note about learning is how it affects our decision-making ability. A study in 2011 (Strick, Dijksterhuis, Bos, van Sjoerdsma, and Baaren) found that unconscious thinking can lead to better decision-making than conscious thought for complex tasks. This happens because our unconscious mind sorts through information when we're distracted. Immediate decision-making doesn't give enough time for this unconscious process. On the other hand, conscious thought works well when there's little information to consider. The researchers also found that too much thinking can actually make decisions worse.
The learning machine intuitively understands this. They know that by filling their minds with useful knowledge, they'll be better equipped to make good decisions.
Learning is empowering, brings joy to your life, and makes life richer. It’s also just plain fun. Like co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, Jerry Greenfield, said, “If it’s not fun, why do it?” But the best reason to learn is for the love of learning itself. You've been given this amazing opportunity called life. Why not make the most of it?
My father gave me invaluable advice before heading to school: "Since you'll forget most of what you learn, the most important thing is to learn how to learn." Learning how to learn equips you to face life's many challenges and opportunities with curiosity and spirit.
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So, whether you're a polymath, a bibliophile, or just someone curious, never stop learning. Remember, you were born with a natural desire to explore and discover. Honor that innate part of you and keep pushing the boundaries of what you know and understand. As Leonardo da Vinci and modern thinkers like Bill Gates show, life is too rich and fascinating to stop learning.
And maybe that's what it truly means to be human.
Keep learning,
Ryan
Oh, and whenever you’re ready, I can help you transform chronic stress and worry into ongoing calm. Making you feel in control in 90 days. Schedule a free, 30-minute discovery call today.
Ah! I'm so glad you liked the article and appreciate the photos of the dogs as much as I do, JB! I'll keep posting dog photos. :o)
Since "To learn is to be human" is the actual title of my article, you'll have to tell me the title you thought you saw. Maybe I'll use that next. 💛