Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."1 In the time since I first heard these words, I have looked at my failures in a new, more positive light. Failure shouldn't be regarded with disappointment, but rather seen as a learning experience. After all, many things in life are learned through trial and error, so every mistake made is just another thing you know that you shouldn't do. But we also shouldn't seek to learn everything by our own mistakes. We can also learn from the mistakes of others and, as mentioned in the Doctrine & Covenants, we must "seek learning, even by study and also by faith."2
When we study with faith and in prayer, I know that our learning power will be magnified intensely by the Spirit. Not only that, but we are also blessed both temporally and spiritually as we seek learning by faith. This is especially true in regards to gaining spiritual knowledge of the gospel. Elder Bednar said that "we can and will receive the blessings of spiritual strength, direction, and protection as we seek by faith to obtain and apply spiritual knowledge."3 It is by a combination of our desire and willingness to learn and Heavenly Father's guidence that we are able to truely learn that which can help us progress towards being closer to Jesus Christ.
However, there is such a thing as taking the concept of learning too far. Through the adversary's temptations it is easy for those who are learned and educated, even those thoroughly grounded in the gospel, to become overly prideful of themselves. But as Nephi informs us, "the Lord despises the learned who are puffed up".4 When the learned uses his knowledge for wickedness, the Lord takes away his blessings and eventually the wicked are brought back down and hopefully back onto the straight and narrow path.
The Savior himself taught us the importance of knowledge and its acquisition during his mortal ministry. He also implored us to "search the scriptures."5 Reading our scriptures everyday is a simple and easy way to acquire spiritual knowledge. But it isn't simply the words of the scriptures that we must learn, but also the actions of the Savior and the prophets who have all testified of Him. Jesus told his followers "learn of me...and ye shall find rest unto your souls."6 If we look back at what Jesus did during his mortal life, and strive to apply those principles to our own lives, I know of a surety that we can increase our learning in all things.
Indeed, while knowledge is a powerful thing, I feel that without wisdom and understanding it is completely and utterly useless. After all, a man could know about all the historical events that took place in the world, but without understanding the circumstances and reasons of why those events took place then they are nothing but empty words. That is why the Lord has instructed us to "get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."7 To learn is to take in new knowledge unto yourself, but to understand that knowledge is to know how you can apply it to your own life. I know and testify with all my heart that by combining our personal study with faith, prayer, and understanding, the sky is the limit in regards to our learning capacity, so long as we remain faithful and humble.
Notes:
1: "Quotations for College Graduates"
2: D&C 88:118
3: Elder David A. Bednar. "Seek Learning by Faith." Ensign. September 2007
4: 2 Nephi 9:42
5: John 5:39
6: Matthew 11:29
7: Proverbs 4:7
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10 comments:
Good work. This feels really well-rounded and tempered. I like how you include wisdom in the equation and our attempt to gain knowledge.
Although it is good to celebrate the virtues of learning, it is also good to make a critical analysis of what learning really means, what makes it worthwhile, and what makes it no so valuable. I like your critical thinking skills.
Whoa! That was such an innovative take on learning, we should put you on the Edison Team.
I really liked how you differentiated between knowledge and understanding. It's good to gain knowledge but it is the application that really shows what we have learned.
I really liked the quote by Thomas Edison. It's so important for all of us to remember that our failures aren't necessarily bad; they are a way for us to learn, grow, and become better. You have great insight!
This was a very well-rounded essay. I liked how you warned against pride and also mentioned that knowledge is nothing without wisdom. Good job!
i enjoyed the beginning quote, but also the clarification that we shouldn't learn EVERYTHING by trial and error.
Very interesting essay. Very balanced and interesting. I really liked it.
i like the opening quote. i appreciate your statement that failures should be looks as learning experiences. i havent quite seen my failures in this way.
Great quote by Thomas Edison. I liked what you said about taking learning too far. There really is a balance that needs to be there. Thanks for your words.
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