When I was still a librarian, I feasted on book after book about many subjects. I enjoyed favorite authors and tried new genres. There was a whole building of books in front of me, and I took full advantage of it. I read one book entitled The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (translated from the original French language by Alison Anderson). I came across a word used in the translation that is not commonly used in the everyday English of popular fiction books. The protagonist was referred to as an autodidact. I confess that I had to grab my dictionary and look that one up.
Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary sums the word up briefly. An autodidact is “a self-taught person.” No frills. No complexities. This is a person who learns something because they want to know it. Having grown up in the South among a varied population, I have an appreciation for self-taught people. Often the “School of Hard Knocks” gives you more valuable experience than sitting in a classroom. You don’t have to hand out money to someone else to learn. You do need to be willing to put in time and effort.
Sometimes we don’t have much time to spare. Between work, caring for family, household responsibilities, and other commitments, it may be a struggle to find the time. Start out by giving yourself five minutes each day to learn about something you want to know. Instead of watching a show or movie, spend time doing research on a new topic. Instead of playing a game, skim a book or website about a new subject. Listen to a free audiobook from your local library. It might require some creativity, but we can learn with a little effort. You might start learning about something and change your mind. That’s okay. Pick something else.
Be careful of “study paralysis.” I have dealt with this several times. I study something, but I never bother learning to do the thing I’m studying. Use that knowledge. You’ve put in the time, and now it’s okay to use the knowledge to be productive. That’s how I started blogging. I finally just quit learning about it and dove headfirst into the deep end. I’m still learning, but I’m light years ahead of where I began.
Be an autodidact. Learn about things that interest you. It will help you grow as a person and help you understand other people and situations. Keep teaching yourself through free resources online and at the local public library. If you can afford it, buy good quality resources after checking for good reviews. Keep your brain working by learning new things and use that new information to improve yourself and help others. Learning never looks so good as when it helps someone.
Reference:
Autodidact. (2024). Merriam-Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autodidact
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Inspirational Verse for the Day:
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7, NLT)
All Things Subject to Change 