March 23, 2007
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Love of Learning
There are some who wish to learn
for no other reason than
that they may be looked upon as learned,
which is ridiculous vanity. . .
Others desire to learn
that they may
morally instruct others;
that is love.
And, lastly, there are some
who wish to learn
that they may be
themselves edified;
and that is prudence.~ St. Bernard of Clairvaux
c. 1145
trans. S. J. EalesThis quote is on the front page of the book I’m currently reading, The Civilization of the Middle Ages, by Norman F. Cantor.How does this quote strike you?
My answer would be “it all depends on the subject.” There are some subjects which I barely learn enough to guide my student. In fact, I just don’t go there. Every road must have some potholes, and every one of my students has gaps in their knowledge and understanding which will need to be filled in the future. We do minimums, we all know that, we leave it on the table and walk on by.
In other areas I have a hunger, a propelling thirst. I want to understand, I need to see the connections; I know I’m ignorant (without knowledge) but I want more than the rudiments. I desire discernment, analysis, and synthesis.
Comments (3)
I always thought you knew everything when I was growing up, I guess I know now.
Where would “just curious” fit in? I mean, for instance, the kind of things that aren’t necessarily significant in the big scheme, but just interesting. See you tomorrow!
Just a quick note to say that MagistraMater won a Thinking Blog Award!
Happy Day!