Lifelong Learning

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Lifelong learning is the concept that states it’s never too late or too early to learn. The term recognizes that our ability to grasp knowledge is not confined to childhood or the classroom, but takes place throughout life and can range from something as simple as downloading a program for the first time with no assistance to preparing a Turducken as directed in Paul Prudhommes cookbook The Prudhomme Family Cookbook.

It has been the last fifty years that has literally shaken our world and directed us toward a point of no return. The scientific and technological innovations are making life different; not necessarily better or worse, just different. Dare I say it is changing the way we live, think, breath, and adapt.

As an educator for most of my life, whether in the classroom or at home, I have learned that the one thing you can count on in life is not just death and taxes, that’s a given. You can also count of “change” and your eternal need to “learn.” There are millions of people right now who are learning how to adapt to this new economy, and there will be millions more. If you are reluctant you will fall by the wayside, it will be painful. This is not to say you will die or something horrible will happen to you, but those who are willing to adapt to the riggers of change are the one’s who will rise victorious or at least with a more positive attitude.

I teach an online micro business course and I have noticed that those individuals that learn the most are the one’s who cast failure to the wind and jump in with both feet. My father died three years ago, but about twenty years ago he said something quite profound and I did not realize it until now. He was an accountant and saw all of the economic turmoil coming even back then. He said, “There will come a time when you will have money, and can’t spend it.” What he meant was everything, everything, will be so expensive, so out of reach, we will have money in our pockets but we will not have enough money to purchase the things we need, and “wants” will be of no consequence. I am by no means a pessimist but it is coming to pass.

The one thing you can do and it won’t cost you a thing is learn, learn all you can. Go to the library, read; read about history, read about science, the Internet is a breeding ground for those who seek knowledge. There really is nothing new under the sun. Join social networks and learn about whatever interest you. If you can afford it, go back to school, college or take lifelong learning courses. Don’t just sit and settle. It sets a terrible example for our children. I know you’re tired, I’m tired too, but “life” like “learning” is for the living, so get up and get learning!

Knowledge really is power!!!