Education

Live life as if you were to die tomorrow,. learn as if you were to live forever

Ghandhi

Education and learning are widely embraced as a method of self improvement, and thus a way to enhance the happiness in your life. We all have many sources of education - home, school, work, friends, associates. Basically, our whole environment provides for learning in a variety of ways. However, formal study, instruction or training almost always offers you an avenue to improve.

Education has been emphasized by leaders, philosophers, educators, and people of all types throughout history. Long ago, the Greek philosopher Diagones said:

The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.

Another Greek, Aristotle said:

All people naturally desire knowledge.

Abraham Lincoln emphasized the importance of education to the country in one of his many great quotes:

Upon the subject of education,....I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we, as a people, can be engaged in.

The Webster dictionary has a lengthy definition of education, the essence of which is:

The act of providing knowledge, skill, competence....by a course of formal study, instruction, training...

This definition sites formal training which most of us associate with education. Formal education is an approach of self improvement worth encouraging. Three benefits of education are:

it significantly increases your career options

it raises your general knowledge to a broader level

it provides a lifelong sense of accomplishment

One of my favorite thoughts on learning and education which has been expressed by many people throughout history is:

Learning is important to you because it significantly affects what you are able to do with the rest of your life.

This is true whether you are in an education program, learning on the job or at home or wherever you are.

As is the case with any self improvement, you must determine what type of education/training and career path is right for you. It is generally a tough choice. Some individuals seem to know from an early age what they want to do, but most people have to do a lot of thinking about it. You may ask how to select an education or career path. Ask yourself a few questions:

what do you like and dislike

what are your wants, your expectations

what are your abilities, aptitude, intelligence

what are your resources

does your goal go with your personality

All of these should be considered in selecting the path you take. Write down your answers. Think about them!

A systematic selection and evaluation of your education path may be very important to your happiness in life. Many people don't like their jobs despite considerable education or training. This may be for a variety of reasons, but if the wrong education is the reason, it is more difficult to change. Having training which enables you to do a job you enjoy is a great achievement and the source of much happiness.

When selecting a career path, think about the rewards of that occupation to determine if they seem sufficient to you. Monetary compensation is often the focus or measurement of reward which is discussed. However, personal satisfaction is extremely important and prestige may also be significant to you. In deciding on an education path, you should consider positives and negatives of various options, assess your self direction and desires, then decide.

When it comes to education, many people seem to think that they don't have enough intelligence. It is easy to think that others are smarter and that's why they get an education. Consider a thought from a person many people think of as a genius, and who is admired for his inventions, Thomas Edison:

Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.

What Edison was emphasizing was that hard work was his key to improving. With this type attitude, most people can achieve their educational goals.

When pursuing education, or any goal for that matter, don't forget:

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

Summarizing on education:

Think about what you want from your education and career.

Be determined and enthusiastic.

Also, remember, you are never too old to learn.