Learning ends in the graveyard, or when stopped to learn new things it deemed we are no more. Always there is misunderstanding that learning is happening only in classrooms or training halls or under a teacher-disciple (trainer- trainee) relationship. That is a big mistake about the leaning, every moment we are offered to learn new things, we are absorbing new ideas and know something which we were not possessed never before.
Education is only formal learning supported by a certificate from esteemed institutions, but real success is lying in when you understand the world beyond your academic curriculum and books. Our prestigious institutions are creating professionals from mechanic to IAS but who create a perfect human being, whose presence is essential for the survival and service. A real learning with humanity and empathy is necessary to be a good human being.
I have lucky enough to work with tall leaders of India, very closely observed bureaucrats and corporate honchos during my job. I humbly understand one truth that people who strive to learn are people who lead a country, organization or team successfully. See this line I have noted by heart when I joined BSF and started working in difficult borders of the country.
“The height, great men reached and kept. / Where not achieved by a sudden flight/ while the others have peacefully slept /They toiling upward in all night”
It is not a mere motivational line; the toiling is the real learning in the life.
Nobody can accept a new thing when believes that he/she knows everything. We cannot fill a full vessel any more. We have to keep some empty space means have to shed some of our ego to understand new things. I remember an incident when I was in Delhi, one day I tried to operate an ATM for withdrawing the cash. After repeated attempts it was not accepting the card, when the security guard offered me help, I think what this poor chap can do more than me, as an expert in operation. But in my surprise within no time he inserted the card and it accepted. That was the greatest learning for my ego. Simple things can only teach by simple teachers, those who are always in and around to us.
I can thankfully remembered one of my colleague Mr. Shaji Pillai,who took me to an internet cafe in Bangalore suburban and teach me how to use internet.I was absolutely a computer illiterate at that time.But that great help changed the things. Every moment you can learn new lessons. Any time you can achieve new knowledge if you are open to learn, understand and patient enough to listen.
Ultimately awareness creating successful person and awareness is a perfect understanding. Hence to learn we should be accepted we need more knowledge. Simply be aware that our knowledge incomplete.
