Learning is Uncommon

                    One of my professors says, “Learning is less common.” I was surprised to hear this statement. Upon further discussion and personal reflection, it became clear that the statement is true. 

Learning is uncommon particularly beyond a certain level. Because we like to feel accepted, we know and talk to people who already have similar ideas and beliefs. We spend time with people who agree with us and avoid those who have different, let alone contrary perceptions of reality. Thus, we conform to a narrow way of thinking and knowing. The more we repeat ideas we already know, the more we can become intellectually stubborn and opposed to new insights and learning. One can easily find examples of people in any context, especially in politics and religion, who abuse and attack whatever is different from what they know or believe. 

        We, as individuals, may not be exempt from the stubbornness to learning. Reflecting on the following questions can help us detect our resistance to learning and pave the way toward learning. 

·      How do you react when someone proposes a different perspective on something from yours? 

o   Do you immediately refute the other person or withdraw from the conversation?

o   Do you feel threatened, nervous, or angry? 

·      What is one perception or understanding that you changed recently?

·      What is one learning that you want to correct or update? 

·      What is one thing you want to know or learn this month?

Learning is necessary to avoid biases and to grow, not only intellectually but also emotionally, as well as socially. Keeping our minds and spirits open can help us live a growth-focused life and nurture harmonious relationships with others.