Learning and Education: Psychological Factors
In the previous issue we discussed some intellectual traits that are universal to the process of learning. Apart from these, the mental (psychological) structure and emotional makeup of the learner also play a crucial role. Let us look at some prominent factors.
Inclination
The topics of self-interest boost the enthusiasm and strength of mind. If you plan to learn something or participate in an intellectual activity, you should prepare your mind accordingly and repeatedly think of the positive aspects and the desired effects associated with the work. Optimistic temperament helps inspire the mind for better performance in the work at hand and thus enhances the chances of success as well.
The quote — "the more one learns, more ignorant he finds himself" — rightly describes the impact of knowledge on the inquisitiveness of human intellect. This is the key to attain higher realms of knowledge and intellectual talents. Continuous refinement of knowledge and intellectual potentials should become an integral part of our lives.
Inquisitiveness
Sir Isaac Newton, whose great discoveries laid the foundations of modern science, remarked towards the end of his life: "We are standing ashore an unlimited ocean of knowledge and have been able to find only some shells and oysters from the shallow water near the shore." Being confident and firm on a selected path of research till a convincing result is obtained is one thing, and being rigid or narrow-minded is altogether different. Inquisitiveness and a learner's attitude always keep the doors of mind open for intellectual elevation.
Incisiveness
Saint Dattatreya had learnt important principles of life by observing the natural tendencies and activities of ordinary species like dogs, cats, bees, spiders, crows, kite-birds etc and had referred to them as his teachers in the school of Nature. A single sight of a corpse had shaken the thought-process of Prince Siddhartha so drastically that he could clearly visualize the transient status of life. This otherwise ordinary event had transmuted his philosophy of life so much that he chose the path of ascetic knowledge that ultimately transformed him into Gautama the Buddha.
If one's observation is sharp and analytical, and his mind is focused, he would always extract a lot of relevant information or 'food for thoughts' from every observation or event he comes across.
Inspiring Encouragement
Encouragement by others often has magical effect in boosting one's morale. Prudent enlightenment inspired by the strong support and guidance of the blind saint Virjanand had encouraged a deserving child reach high realms of knowledge and piety — this ordinary child was eventually revered by the masses as Swami Dayanand Saraswati. A thin and shy young boy Shivaji became the intrepid warrior, the great Maratha King, after initiation and encouraging guidance bestowed by his great mentor Samartha Guru Ramdas.
Those who have to constantly bear the insulting strokes of being addressed as 'hopeless,' 'mindless,' 'idiots,' etc. might, in spite of having a normally developed sharp mind, fall prey to negative effects like dementia. Congratulating someone upon his/her success, or admiring his/her qualities should be treated as an essential social responsibility and religious principle.
Zeal and Perseverance
Enthusiasm, alert diligence and punctuality are regarded as excellent supporting qualities in all important endeavors of life including intellectual development. The popular childhood tale of the hare and tortoise also teaches us the important lesson of consistency in our endeavors.
Emotional Fitness
Emotional maturity and stability is a must for thorough focus of the mind and deep thinking. Emotional fitness is therefore crucial for thorough and progressive learning, intellectual/creative development, and refinement of personality. The domain of emotional fitness encompasses neurological, psychological, as well as spiritual wellbeing.
"There is a path of joy and there is the path of pleasure. Pondering on them, the wise chooses the path of joy; the fool takes the path of pleasure." — Katha Upanishad 1:2:1