Wanting to learn for no other reason but to learn. To many this is a strange concept, to some, it feels mentally impossible and to a few, it’s what you already do.
There’s a stigma about learning in general that many people have. It can probably be traced back to their days during primary and high school where they were forced to learn and had no say in what and how they were learning. This situation is still prevalent in many undergraduates who are either funnelled towards a specific career or don’t know exactly what they want to do. Eventually, most people will find something they want to do and pursue it. Unfortunately by this time they’re normally so burnt out by all of their past learning experiences that they want to give up learning forever and never look back. So that’s what they do.
So the question is, should you continue to study for the sole purpose of having fun, challenging or enjoying yourself?
Without a doubt, the answer is YES!
Study doesn’t have to come in the form of a degree or something similar; it can come from doing your own research, online courses, books or anything else you can find on a topic to spark your interest and passion. For example, if you’re inspired by topics within maths or science you could use a website like brilliant.org to continue to learn about topics within these fields really to no end other than personal interest. Lynda.com is also a great place to expand your skills in the tech, art and software spheres on a wide range of topics.
Ask yourself, is there something in the world you would like to know more about?
In a professional sense, this type of learning for fun trait is what causes people to turn their passion into their career. Doing this for some also comes with the concern that they’ll get burnt out and not want to pursue their passion and it’s a valid concern. This is different for each person and would have to be taken on a case by case basis but I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who wouldn’t want to have a job doing what they enjoy most. In such a competitive world you can’t stay ahead professionally if you’re just sitting stagnant in your existing pool of knowledge. At Digital Noir we’re lucky to be part of a team of lifelong learners who have insights and knowledge to share at every turn. Keeping us all on our toes and ensuring the highest quality from everyone. Also just think if you do get burnt out on your passion then there’s always room for another interest to take its place.
If you’ve never thought about going home and learning a new skill or fact then why not? Maybe you think your brain is going to get full? Well, why not do some research and look that up to remove that limitation from your life? If you’ve never thought that you should look it up anyway it’s fascinating, trust me.
Our world is ever changing with so many fascinating things to learn from both the past and the future. Get out there and fill your brain with the things you want to learn! What’s stopping you?
