“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” -Henry Ford
It takes an entire lifetime to learn everything there is to know about one subject, and only if that subject is simple (cheese graters, rubber bands, horse-shoes). If you were to tackle a larger subject such as organic chemistry or cognitive development, even multiple lifetimes would barely scratch the surface. Then, consider how many interesting fields exist far beyond traditional academic subjects. It is truly mind-blowing. No matter who you are or where you come from, the capacity to learn something new is infinite.
Since all things exist in a continual state of evolution, your success literally depends on a life-long ability to grow and adapt. New laws are introduced that lead to the introduction of new policies. New ideas and approaches emerge. New problems arise and new solutions are sought. It may seem harsh, but in this ever-evolving social climate, your ability to “keep in touch” with the world will essentially define your effectiveness as a human being. It is critical you maintain a healthy appetite for knowledge! In fact, without an expanding mental waist-line, you run the risk of doing things the exact same way every day of your life—and completely wasting it.
Your mind is a muscle. Keep it strong with regular, vigorous exercise. Feed your intellectual curiosity, and explore the world at large. When something sparks your imagination, ruffles your feathers, or compels you to don your jauntiest thinking cap, dig in. Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences. Read books. Talk to people. You will never run out of surprises, delights, wonders, and joys. Then, as you grow older, you will still be able to remember your children’s names and birthdates along with your address and social security number.
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