Too Much Learning A Boon or a Bane?

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.”― BB King

 

If we decode this famous saying by the American guitarist and singer BB King, we can see that no matter the situation in life, one’s learning always stays with them, lifting them from their deepest sorrows towards enlightenment. You may not realise it, but you are already applying what you have learned in your life at every moment. The fact that I am sitting here at a desk writing this article is an example. Learning is not something you acquire only by reading newspapers, articles, or textbooks; you also gain it through your experiences. Each of us experiences new things in life — things we have never encountered before. We may face difficulties in handling these situations, we may fall, we may suffer, but in the end, we learn. The next time, we are better prepared and can even teach others what we have learned.

 

The Boundless Potential of the Mind

 

Our brain, a tiny part of our body, has vast capabilities for learning. It is the only part of the body that does not depend on physical capabilities to function. Take the examples of Stephen Hawking, Srikanth Bolla, and many others. Did their physical limitations ever stop them from learning and achieving what they wanted? No. These milestones, these idols, motivate us to learn beyond our capabilities and limitations. Your mind is like a universe in itself. It contains a lot of void, and this void gets filled as you progress in your learning. Have you ever noticed how quickly you can connect the concepts you are currently learning with your past or present experiences? When you learn something, you light up a part of that void in your mind. The more you learn, the more you feel a sense of fulfilment within yourself.

 

There is no hard and fast rule that you need to learn only through formal education or degrees, though these qualifications do have their place in life. What is learning without proper guidance? While you can still learn without guidance, such learning can become either a boon or a bane. When you learn from professionals, you gain insight into what lies ahead and how to apply that learning. You not only acquire bookish knowledge but also learn from their experiences. Remember, you may have also taught someone in your life, shared your experiences, and advised them on how to move forward using the knowledge you imparted.

 

Overcoming Barriers to Learning

 

So, what factors can hinder your learning? There can be social, economic, or behavioural barriers. We often hear people in society say, “There is no advantage in learning so much; you will not get much benefit ahead.” Today, we have a habit of measuring almost everything in monetary terms. If I learn this, will I earn more in the future? I agree that money is essential today, as it allows you to afford almost everything. But I will say this: to earn that money, you also need to learn something. Eventually, your learning makes you capable of earning.

 

Sometimes, instead of society, our own procrastination plays a major role in hindering learning. We think that after working five or six days a week, we only get a day or two to relax and have fun. Relaxation is indeed necessary because if you don’t rest, you will overexert your body, and it will not function properly. This is where the idea of creating a schedule comes in. A schedule teaches us discipline — which is also a form of learning. There may also be instances where you encounter people who are highly educated but advise you not to learn.

 

Mindful Learning

 

So, is too much learning a boon or a bane? That is something you must decide for yourself, as everyone’s perspective is different. I am not here to make up anyone’s mind on this matter. However, in my view, it is not necessary to dive into full-fledged learning or pursue degrees without thought. Even if we start learning a little at a time — whether by making a habit of reading the newspaper, exploring tools, understanding the market, delving into interior design, or engaging in arts and crafts — we will notice a gentle and sweet change within ourselves. We will begin to appreciate our lives even more. I am not suggesting that everyone can learn everything at once; everything has its limitations, and learning requires significant effort and dedication. So, take it easy, start slowly, and give yourself time. Eventually, you will succeed.

 

Once you start learning, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and reflect on your past self and your current state. Think about what you know now and what you are capable of doing. You will feel a sense of relief, and a ray of self-belief and confidence will fill your heart — the same feeling I am experiencing now after writing this article and expressing my views.