Practicing Significance

Glorifying God by fulfilling your own unique purposes through the never-ending

action of acquiring, using, and sharing diverse resources.

 

                                   

 

 

 

 

Learning

 

 

 

“Anything we need to know, we can learn it from a book.  Reading, careful study, a little practice, and we’re throwing knives expertly, overhauling engines, speaking Esperanto like natives.”   Richard Bach

 

“I’ve been in love three hundred times in my life, and all but five were with books.”   Lee Glickstein

 

“Be curious always.  For knowledge will not acquire you; you must acquire it.”  Susie Black

 

“Life is tough, but it’s even tougher if you are stupid.”   John Wayne

 

 

 

Introduction

 

By age forty, it seems like most people have split into two camps.  One camp values learning enough to pursue it avidly, while the other believes other activities are more important.  Unfortunately, the first camp seems to be much smaller than the second.   If you decide to practice significance, you will likely find that learning is an integral part of the process.   The following lesson will give some reasons why learning is so vitally important, and will give some tips for starting and continuing a learning program.

 

 

The Skill of Learning

 

One aspect of practicing significance is optimizing the relationships of the people we encounter.  As just a beginning, we would need to understand all aspects of ourselves and develop a thorough understanding of those people we encounter.  A partial list of skills needed would include those of a:  psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, minister, doctor, financier, historian, ambassador, counselor, and friend.  Obviously, it takes almost a lifetime to acquire sufficient skills in any one of these vocations.  In addition, most people have a sense of satisfaction and comfort when they know substantially more than the bare facts and customs generally deemed needed within our society.  In fact, for many of us, the joy of acquiring knowledge and skills is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

 

Somehow, we need to consistently provide ourselves with learning opportunities.  My maternal grandmother is my shining example.  In her last days, she was finishing a book report to her stockbroker about a recent book encouraging people to invest in gold.  She and I had a long discussion about it because she thought gold was a good long-term investment.  She made me gather more data before I could convince her otherwise.  The final decision was based on what we had learned, not on the fact that long-term for her would probably be only a few more weeks.

 

Like most worthwhile activities, learning takes time and discipline.  Many people, especially those who are retired, set aside several hours a day, or even a day or two a week just to learn.  Further, many people use learning opportunities to spend additional enjoyable time with their spouse or other family members.

 

Here is a list of some of the methods people use to learn:

 

1.            Set up a program to read fine literature.  This activity can be greatly enhanced by joining a book club, taking a literature class, or even hiring a personal tutor or teacher.

2.          Schedule at least one lunch per week with a person that is smarter than you.

3.           Use audio tapes or CD’s in the car to listen to books on tape or practice learning a foreign language or to learn about a wide variety of subjects.  Many colleges and business offer copies of lectures from very famous and qualified people.

a.     Barnes & Noble University 800-843-2665, www.barnesandnobleuniversity.com

b.    The Teaching Company, 800-832-2412, www.teach12.com

c.     Private Lessons Channel, 303-554-1884, www.PrivateLessons.net

d.    Virtual University, Campus@VU.org, www.vu.org 

4.          Take lessons concerning a sport, dancing, a musical instrument, or some card game.

5.           Take classes at a nearby college or junior college.  If none is nearby, take correspondence courses or on-line classes.   Some programs (including Harvard’s Odyssey program, Hope International University, and the London Institute) specifically address second half issues.

6.          Travel.  Before going to even a nearby locale, study about the region.  If a foreign locale, learn some of the language before arriving, and even take lessons after arriving.

7.           Take cooking lessons.

8.          Spend your spare time at the public library.  Become friends with the librarian to optimize your experience.

9.          Learn how to navigate the web on the Internet.  Even if you don’t own a computer, you can probably have access to one at no cost.  The Internet has an infinite amount of information available at no cost.  Since children of age five can use the Internet, surely you can at age sixty. Unfortunately it is estimated only one-third of adults over 65 use the Internet.

10.      Join a professional organization.

11.        Volunteer (see lesson on Volunteering).

 

 

College in Later Life

 

Millions of adult students return to college to obtain a degree.  Some are prodded by economic downturns, some by the desire to increase their earning capacity, some because of divorce, and some do it “just because”.  Studies show that a college education can significantly increase earning potential.  For many in later life returning to college provides a sense of satisfaction and can provide additional skills with which to help others.  Many people get a college education so they can start a new career, whether or not they need the money.  After getting over initial fears, most adults find they are very successful in college because they bring a level of maturity and focus that younger people lack.  Attaining additional education has become much easier because of the Internet and because colleges are making it much easier for people who have travel and schedule restrictions.

 

 

Funding the Learning Experience

 

Most people fund their learning experiences from savings or income. There are two other ideas that many people could use. First, if learning involves college, don’t forget to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Second, consider setting up a Section 529 college savings plan for yourself. These plans can generally be used for anyone, any age, anywhere. To qualify as education expenses, the institution from which you take classes must be an accredited post-secondary institution. If so, your classes might include: golf, airplanes, cooking, and travel.

 

 

Conclusion

 

For many of us practicing significance will include having a life-long dedication to learning.   There are unlimited resources available for our use, many of which are free, at the public library or on the Internet.

 

 

Additional Resources

 

Travel/Travel Education

·      Elderhostel www.elderhostel.org

·      National Geographic www.nationalgeographic.com

·      Academic Travel Abroad www.academic-travel.com

 

University Programs for Lifelong Learning

·      Harvard’s Odyssey www.exed.hbs.edu/programs/ody/

·      Hope International University www.hiu.edu

·      New Hampshire College for Lifelong Learning www.ell.edu

·      Emory’s Center for Lifelong Learning www.emory.edu/eve/seniors/esu.html

·      Alliance for Lifelong Learning www.alllearn.org