On the Native Essence of Learning

by Lee Duane FitzSimmons

There are many factors that come into play whenever an individual is attempting to gain new information and new skills. The most important factor that comes into play, however, is realization that little or nothing is known about the specific areas of knowledge in which the individual wishes to acquire knowledge. The importance of this realization is monumental. If this realization is not perceived, then the individual will not absorb the data in the most beneficial way possible.

This type of understanding is one of the primary components necessary for the learning process. If the individual cannot admit that little is known about a field of inquiry, then any subsequent attempts at learning will probably fail because of the individual's assumption that this new knowledge may be something that is already known. When this situation occurs, the further acquisition of knowledge in a chosen field of expertise will usually stagnate and not progress to any higher level. Too often, this situation can be found in people that have a limited degree of experience in a particular field.

Even if an individual does possess a generous amount of knowledge in a particular field, then the individual can still benefit if basic knowledge is absorbed again. In the aesthetic realms, this reabsorption of knowledge can often provide new sources of inspiration. In addition, this reabsorption of the basic elements of knowledge within a particular field of expertise will often allow for a more complete understanding of the more advanced aspects of that field. This type of reabsorption can also provide ideas about how one can better instruct others.

Therefore, in order to absorb new knowledge and expertise, it is often beneficial to assume that nothing is known at all in the field of study in which one is attempting to gather knowledge. When the mind is a blank slate, there is far more room on which to write. When the mind is a blank slate, there is more mental space available for gathering and storing new data. When the mind is a blank slate, it is like a child desperately hungry for more new types of experiences and encounters.

When the mind is a blank slate, it is more easily fed.

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