Learning; What Is It?
I see learning as the process of taking in knowledge in order to be able to use it at a later date. We can learn many things; infinitely many. We can learn a skill, such as playing the flute, or playing soccer. We can gain learning in a particular field, such as Mathematics, or English. We can learn from what others teach us, or we can learn from experiences that we have gone through. Learning helps us to develop and grow; it’s a major aspect that separates us from computers or even other living things. No other type of mortal creature has the capacity to learn like we do. Scientists have tried to create intelligence, but have not been able to do so. I believe that this is because learning is a gift that has been given to us by our Heavenly Father. I also believe that we have an obligation to show our gratitude for this gift by using it.
A Commandment
Not only is the ability to learn a gift from God, but with this gift we have received a commandment. “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”1 Our Heavenly Father sent us to this earth to gain knowledge and experience, and to learn right from wrong. Our mission while we are here is to learn what we are supposed to do. Then, we will be tested whether or not we will do it, and thereby prove ourselves worthy to our Heavenly Father. Indeed, “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”2 While on this earth, there are some things that we must learn if we are to be successful as human beings. We must learn how to talk, how to walk; How to think, how to read, etc. However, there are also many opportunities for us to learn of our own volition. We can learn a new language, a new sport, or a new hobby, just because we want to. I believe that this type of learning is very important, as it develops our character and brings out our hidden talents.
Learning Benefits Us
Learning is essential in our lives, and the more we get of positive learning, learning that uplifts and enriches our lives, the better. There is always an opportunity to learn. Even physical action is not a prerequisite. Merely thinking about past experiences and events in our lives, doing what some call ‘meditating,’ is a form of learning, as it helps us gain new distinctions that can help us do better in the future. A related quote from the prophet Nephi shows us another avenue by which we can learn. “…for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.”3 The scriptures are an excellent source for gaining knowledge, as in them we are able to find the commandments of God, and learn about his will for us. Nephi describes this as his purpose for keeping records on the gold plates. “For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children”4 It was for this purpose that Lehi brought the plates of brass to the Promised Land. “And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers; and also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the world began, even down unto this present time.”5 However, the scriptures weren’t only applicable to the children of Lehi. I personally have found great insight just perusing the pages of the standard works. My favorite places to go for wisdom are the books of Alma and Proverbs. As stated in 1 Nephi 19:23, I have found ways to liken scriptures such as Alma 41:10 and Proverbs 16:21. “Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.”6 “The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.”7
Our Learning Benefits Others
Not only does our learning benefit us, but we also must use it for the benefits of others. Paraphrasing President Gordon B. Hinckley’s “Be Smart,” we must get an education to learn how we can best be a productive addition to society, instead of a detriment. Also, opposite of the commandment to learn is the commandment to teach. “…and they shall teach with their learning…”8 One obvious example of the benefits of learning to others, and the importance of teaching, is that of missionary work. Young men go to the MTC and learn a language and how to teach the gospel to others in that language. Without their learning, millions would not know the message of the gospel, and the peace it brings. It has been said that ignorance is bliss, but I think the very opposite is true. The more we are enlightened, the greater peace we have. As a result of knowing that Christ lives, we know where we came from and why we’re here; what we must do, and where we are going.
A Learning Mindset
Throughout my life, I have been naturally inquisitive, and always eager to learn new things. This has helped me in my own process of growth and development. While my friends were playing on their Nintendo’s, I was reading “Popular Science”, or surfing the web, researching things like Bose-Einstein Condensates. Learning has kept me active, and passionate about life, always eager to find out more. I have personally verified the importance of teaching as well; by teaching, I find myself better able to learn. Some of my best memories of public school are when I was able to mentor and work with younger students. Throughout my Junior and Senior year, I had the opportunity, as part of a class project, to teach German to children at a Catholic private school. I realized just how much of the basics I had forgotten, and teaching the children was a great academic review. However, it also helped me to grow as a person, as I learned how to teach and interact with people who were significantly younger than me.
In Conclusion
Learning is an integral part of human existence. Essentially, in order to live, we must learn and grow. We have been sent to this earth to learn what we must do in order to return to live with our Father in Heaven and our Savior, who have told us through a multitude of prophets about the importance of learning. I will close with a passage from the Doctrine and Covenants, along with my testimony that as we seek to grow in learning and understanding to benefit those around us, that we will be blessed for our efforts, “And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.”9
“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”10
Sources
1.) D&C 88:118
2.) Goethe
3.) 1 Nephi 19:23
4.) 2 Nephi 4:15
5.) 1 Nephi 3:19-20
6.) Alma 41:10
7.) Proverbs 16:21
8.) 2 Nephi 28:4
9.) D&C 89:19
10.) D&C 130:18-19
4 comments:
I really like the organization of the blog. The subheadings give readers a clue about where you are going with the topic. I especially like the way you included your own experiences in the section on The Learning Mindset.
This was a very good blog. I'm impressed. It's well-organized and understandable, as well as inciteful. I like how you mentioned that reflecting on experiences is a way to learn. You really cover it all...great job!
I never really thought of the ability to learn as a gift. And i also didn't know that it was a commandment either. Thanks for making these things clear in your blog. You explained yourself so clearly. Thanks and great job.
Reading a more in depth look on the simple yet complicated concept of "learning" reminds me why i'm at BYU in the first place, thank you.
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