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"我们是天生的学习者。学习是我们的默认状态。"

Howard Gardner
Howard Gardner Psychologist
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Quote meaning
Our natural inclination is to learn. From the moment we're born, our brains are wired to absorb information, understand our environment, and adapt. Think about it—infants come into the world knowing nothing, but within a few years, they can walk, talk, and even navigate complex social interactions. It's pretty amazing, right? This idea gets to the heart of human nature: we're hardwired to learn.

Let’s take a step back in history. This notion has been around for centuries, but it was really highlighted during the Age of Enlightenment. Philosophers like John Locke argued that the human mind starts as a blank slate, shaped by experiences. Fast forward to modern times, and we see this theme echoed in education theories and psychology. It's not just about formal schooling; it's about the everyday learning that happens all the time.

Picture this: a young child trying to figure out a jigsaw puzzle. At first, they may fumble, unable to fit the pieces together. But watch closely. They’ll keep trying, adjusting their approach each time a piece doesn’t fit. They’re learning by doing. Before long, they’ve mastered the puzzle, moving on to more complex ones. This is a clear, vivid example of our natural learning state in action. The child wasn't given a manual. They learned through curiosity and trial and error.

So how do you harness this inherent ability in your own life? First, ditch the idea that learning only happens in classrooms. Be curious every day. Ask questions, seek out new experiences, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re just learning opportunities in disguise. Surround yourself with people who challenge you and expose you to different perspectives. And remember, it’s okay to be a beginner at something. Embrace it.

Imagine you’re at a new job. Everything feels overwhelming; there’s so much to learn. Instead of feeling defeated, approach it like the child with the puzzle. Break tasks down into smaller pieces, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification. Your natural state is to learn and adapt, so trust that process. Over time, you’ll not only get the hang of things, but you’ll thrive.

One time, I decided to learn how to play the guitar. At first, it was frustrating. My fingers wouldn’t land on the right strings, and the sounds coming out were more noise than music. But I stuck with it. Every day, I practiced a little more, learning from each mistake. Slowly, those random notes turned into recognizable chords, and eventually, I could play a whole song. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the process of learning, of trusting that with time and perseverance, I could master something new.

So, next time you’re faced with something daunting, remember that learning is your default state. Think of the toddler learning to walk, the child mastering a puzzle, or someone picking up an instrument for the first time. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and lean into that natural curiosity. You’ve been learning since day one—it’s what you’re made for.
Related tags
Curiosity Education Growth mindset Human nature Intrinsic motivation Knowledge Learning Personal development Self-improvement
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