Educate
This week’s Thought kicks off with a couple of quotes, followed by the result of a research project that makes an interesting point…
First, the quotes: – Somebody older and wiser than me once told me that the best investment we can ever make is in education. Another person, whom I didn’t take a lot of notice of at the time, said; – “The main point of education is to learn to learn”.
Finally, the study results: – The members of two groups of people were each given several thousand dollars to spend on EITHER a new gadget – a ‘thing’ – OR an ‘experience’ such as a holiday, training or an educational activity.
Six months later they were asked how they felt about their choice. The people who had invested in the ‘experience’ reported much higher levels of lasting satisfaction than those who had bought the ‘thing’.
Remember, the people who bought the gadgets still had the goods, while the ones who’d invested in the “experience” had nothing material to show for it.
But they were happier with their investment.
Why? Because they had grown in skill and confidence or had positive memories that added to their sense of wellbeing. As a result, they felt empowered, having learned – or reaffirmed – that the more you do, the more you can do. Knowledge had improved their quality of life more than material things.
At this point in the discussion let’s remember that education isn’t necessarily about going to school or doing a course. It can include any situation where you challenge yourself: – travelling somewhere different, learning skills, broadening your horizons. DOING things that involve new information, new mindsets, new confidence. Positive, empowering change.
It doesn’t have to be hard – in fact it can be as simple as opening a dictionary and looking up a new word, all the way through to training for a new career. It can be as easy as Googling information about a place you’d like to visit to saving the money, learning the language and going on the trip.
Education isn’t just about facts and figures; it’s about ability, confidence and the knowledge that we can grow, change and take control of our lives.
To finish, a couple of education themed proverbs: –
For the pupil. “When the student is ready the teacher will appear”
For the teacher. “When you teach, you learn”
Finally, for all of us. “Tell me, I forget, show me, I remember, involve me, I understand”
Have an interesting week.
