The Lost Curiosity: How Schooling Suppresses Our Love for Learning

Pain, disappointments, traumatic experiences, and other oppressive atmospheres can distress your soul, suppress your creativity, and weaken your curiosity. However, much of this stems from our educational experiences, which often fail to instill a love of learning or simply turn it into a source of boredom and frustration.

The Cultivation of Dislike for Learning

Consider the typical school experience. For many students, school is a place where learning is either never cultivated or, worse yet, where it is actively discouraged. Too often, students are subjected to a regimen of rote memorization and rigid teaching methods that serve to stifle curiosity and creativity. Rather than fostering a passion for learning, schools often damage the very qualities that make learning worthwhile—curiosity and creativity.

The Schooling Experience: Boredom and Loss of Interest

For a significant portion of students, the school environment is one of prolonged boredom. This boredom can be so pervasive that it leads to a dislike and even disdain for learning. Unfortunately, many individuals come to see learning as a burden rather than a joy, and this attitude can follow them into adult life. Leaving school behind often means leaving behind the idea that learning is a valued and pleasurable activity.

Rediscovering the Joy of Learning in Adulthood

Relearning the value and rediscovering the enjoyment of the learning process are daunting tasks. In many cases, adults return to learning only to find it just as challenging as it was in school. The process of re-engaging with learning often involves grappling with deeply ingrained beliefs that learning is tedious, difficult, and even painful. Learning is, undeniably, the most important thing in life. It is through the continuous process of learning that we grow, progress, and make a meaningful difference in the world. It is through learning that we find purpose, virtue, and a rich, gratifying, and prosperous life.

The Harmful Belief: Learning is Boring and Frustrating

Many people, after their schooling, cling to the belief that learning is boring, painful, and frustrating. This harmful belief can be deeply ingrained and difficult to break. However, it is crucial to confront and overcome this belief. Learning does not have to be a negative experience; rather, it can be a source of joy and fulfillment. The challenge lies in reinstating the childlike curiosity and joy we once had for learning.

Discipline and Interest in Learning

Discipline plays a significant role in learning, especially when engaging with new and unfamiliar topics. However, true learning is not about strict discipline alone; it is about allowing your interests and inclinations to guide you. Explore areas where you have little to no knowledge. Follow your curiosity wherever it leads you. This approach can be challenging, as it requires a willingness to explore the unknown and face potential failures. Yet, it is through these challenges that we often learn the most important lessons.

Continual Growth and Improvement

Personal growth and improvement are continuous processes. There is no such thing as stability, maintenance, stasis, or equilibrium. You are either improving or regressing, growing or dying, swimming or sinking. Learning is essential to this continuous growth.

Conclusion: Embracing Learning

To truly embrace learning, one must understand the value and joy it brings. If you find yourself lacking the motivation or joy in learning, it may be due to the negative experiences you had in school. Now that you are aware of this, take it as an opportunity to prioritize learning and reignite your passion for it. Learning is a lifelong journey, and there is so much you do not know. Embracing this truth can lead to a rich and fulfilling life.

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