Ben, Frankly
BEN, FRANKLYIt's been several weeks since I have touched on the subject of the importance of constantly honing your knowledge and skills throughout life. That's not because I haven't been thinking about the topic or that I no longer think it's important. Frankly, I've been absorbing some new knowledge and skills that has kept me very occupied. I've been absorbed into the world that is popularly called Web 2.0...an amazingly powerful communication tool!
Anyway, back to the point of the title of this article. There is a quotation that is attributed to Ben Franklin that directly concerns this week's entry. At one time, "Ben frankly" stated: "Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I learn."
I see the relevance of his thought to this week"s topic as being the point that you have to take responsibility to get involved in your own plan of life-long learning. You can't sit back and expect to be spoon fed knowledge that you will retain, at least, by someone telling you the information. And, you can go to all the classes in the world and be taught new information but that won't necessarily translate into knowledge. To paraphrase another great thinker, it's one thing to know and another to do.
Yes, acquisition of information (knowledge) is important but it is just a beginning. It is the application (do) of your knowledge in all aspects of your life that fulfills you with the joy of experiencing the canvas of life in broad, colorful and invigorating brush strokes.
"Ben, frankly," was right. You have to get involved in your own efforts in developing your knowledge, if you want to grow to your full potential as a person.
Copyright (c) 2008 Gary Greenfield, Performance Alliance, L.C. All Rights Reserved Internationally. No portion may be used without prior written permission.
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