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“When someone is taught the joy of learning, it becomes a life-long process that never stops, a process that creates a logical individual. That is the challenge, and joy of teaching.” — Marva Collins

Introduction:

Let me begin this article by going on a tangent first! “Guerilla marketing” (catch your attention with something completely unrelated, and keep you occupied for the next part!)

Whenever I start writing an article on Medium, I try to begin with a quote. It’s a simple way to catch and attract the reader’s attention. While I was researching for this entry, I came across the profound quote that I have used. This got me to thinking, who Marva Collins is. For the minds as curious and inquisitive, Marva Collins was an American educator, most known for creating schools and an environment to teach students that had a below average level of learning.

Coming back to the topic on hand, THE JOY OF LEARNING. Personally for me, when I try to work out on some unique idea, or concept, or any task; with the freedom to think and let my mind and emotions evaluate the possible options and future course, that for me, is a greater achievement, than getting it right! 

There are two aspects to this:

• The journey, for me, is more important than the destination
• Who decided what’s right and wrong? Especially in situations, and cases which don’t have a scientific answer, and aren’t governed by rules and theorems (unlike solving a problem of math)

The journey, over destination:

Let me explain this through an example. Let’s say, that the choice is to buy a car for yourself. The best way to go about this is, to decide on your budget, evaluate the options that fit the budget, and then other aspects and the trade-offs for example, petrol v. diesel v. electric v. hybrid; SUV v. Sedan; Brand A v. Brand B and so on. Some might first fix a brand, and then evaluate options on the budget. But, at the bottom, there are metrics that you need to work and evaluate. This, my friend, is only 10% of the journey! What comes next, is what makes the journey more exciting!! Evaluating various dealers, what they have to offer, talking to sales reps, negotiating with the finance partners and banks (if you’re thinking of an automobile loan, the EMIs, RoIs, Down Payments, Pre-closures so on and so forth).

Are you getting what I am trying to indicate? While the destination is a brand new car in your garage, the journey is far more exciting. While on the journey, you get to learn so much about the world, that is, let’s be honest, not taught in schools! Negotiating, loans, about car dealers, various components that make up the cost of the car, servicing schedule, so on! But, one has to learn these things. I don’t think there is any better way than by actually getting your hands dirty. You feel empowered, you feel relieved, you feel alive! Right?

Let’s take an easier approach, especially in the Indian context. Hey big brother! Can you help me buy this vehicle? Hey experienced friend! Can you help get me this loan? Hey parent! Can you help decide what to buy? And, that’s where the plot is lost. In my understanding, we Indians have so much love and affection for our young ones, that we take pride and happiness in doing everything for them, even without them saying it! As a result, what happens? The younger ones, seeking help becomes lazy, tries to find an easy way out, never learns, and always relies on you for taking decisions and help.

We have taken away the joy of learning from the younger one. And as a teacher, this is also where the joy of teaching lies. As pointed out by Ms. Collins. A better way here would be, to work out on things yourself, and then ask for inputs and advice; and evaluate for yourself if you wish to follow them or not!

Then, you might ask, what the hell do we teach our loved ones? Hey! That’s a great question. Let’s teach them the moral compass. Let’s teach them the capacity to decide between what’s right or wrong, what’s a better choice, basis the situation, and other variables they are in, and then, give them the freedom and independence to make those choices!

I know, this is easier said than done, and there is no clear defined boundary on where the teaching stops, and learning begins. That’s for you to find out, based on your interactions and your situation. Won’t you agree?

Let’s just pull in the second point (who defined right or wrong) quickly into this discussion. See, unlike a mathematical theorem, which was defined by someone, taught to you by your teacher, based on which, the world works; when it comes to day to day mundane tasks and choices, there is no right or wrong. Sure, there are rules and norms; but they may have been formed in the past based on the scenario then, and may not hold true today. Think about a few, you’ll realize you’re surrounded by ideas and notions, that are being carried on, and had a value in the past, but not now!

Let me be abrupt, and cut out my rant! Try to learn, do things yourself, and always remember, to seek help and advice, and move towards better cohesion and happiness!! Find your own moral compass, and learn for things along the way