Learn simply to learn

Learning something simply to learn it can be incredibly gratifying. It can be very satisfying and fulfilling. But one of the things, to me, that makes it so satisfying and gratifying is that there isn’t a purpose other than to learn.

Learning about something just because you personally want to is what makes it gratifying. It’s pure curiosity.

Unfortunately I think many schools dissuade students from doing this, or throw so much “work” at students that they don’t realize that they could enjoy the subject.

This happened to me with a number of subjects. When I was younger I thought I didn’t enjoy reading, but I later found out that I’d just never found books that I enjoyed.

I see this happen fairly often with young people because they’re pushed to read “challenging” books and books “at grade level.” But if those same people simply read books that they enjoyed they’d get much better.

Learning simply to learn will help you learn much better. You’re learning at your own pace and without a purpose. It’s just for the enjoyment of learning. As far as I’ve noticed you’ll likely remember more details too because it’s simply for fun. There’s no pressure or stress or anxiety to be able to perform your knowledge, unlike in schools.

Even if it’s something small, like learning to play chess, it’s a worthwhile endeavor to learn simply to learn.

ISJ