Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
-- author Oscar Wilde

Toolset #1

Each section of this Web site will conclude with a "toolset"--techniques that can be used to explore this direction in detail. Just as scientific theory is better understood by performing experiments, the concepts on these pages will be fully penetrated only with direct experience. The toolsets may help.

Direct Knowledge

The first tool is very simple: prove everything to your own satisfaction.

Does this mean that you must learn higher mathematics in order to know that the earth revolves around the sun? It depends on what satisfies you. If you are obsessive/compulsive, you might repeat various experiments until you can say, "yes, from my own direct experience, I know that the earth revolves around the sun." On the other hand, if the general consensus of scientists is enough to satisfy you, then you might simply say, "based on the word of human sources I trust, I believe the earth revolves around the sun." If you have doubt about something, investigate it until you can make a statement you agree with.

This method has certain consequences:

• One must be honest and objective about how firm is one's knowledge about any given thing. If some particular knowledge rests on belief alone, or the words of others, without other evidence, then this should be recognized.

• If doubts arise, recognize that the doubtful knowledge can be accepted only tentatively until it is further investigated.

• At some point, one becomes curious about what aspects of knowledge makes it feel satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Attitude to Learning

The second tool is to adopt a positive attitude towards learning. A positive attitude towards learning might include:

• Curiosity. Small children have a habit of asking "What is that?" and "Why is that?" This open, nonjudgmental curiosity towards the world is healthy.

• Wonder. The universe is awe-inspiring, but because this feeling can be overpowering, we block it out of our daily lives. Sometimes we go too far in blocking it out. Regaining an appreciation for the mystery held within everyday life, the fact that the unknown is not "out there" but right in front of us, infuses energy into our experiences.

• Benefit. Learning is a way to grow, and provides many benefits. Learning a new job skill can help land a better job; learning a new language can lead to visiting exotic lands; learning a new hobby can be enjoyable and satisfying. Studies show that people who continually strive to learn live healthier, longer lives.

With a positive attitude, it is easier to make the effort to learn new things. In a sense, it doesn't even matter what it actually learned: gardening, Spanish, theoretical physics, and poetry each have something to teach about the universe. What matters is to be receptive to the learning process, and to investigate things to your satisfaction.

Learn Something!

As an adjunct to this website, I highly recommend choosing some subject to investigate and learn on your own. As mentioned, the subject can really be anything. Four areas are particularly relevant to this website:

• Science. Science doesn't have to be a dry subject. There are well-written, lively books such as Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time, as well as brain candy like The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel. (I can't recommend watching television, but it is there.)

• Philosophy. The big questions are still out there, and many great minds have discussed them. Philosophy sharpens reasoning skills and helps analyze one's beliefs objectively.

• Mysticism. Religion, spirituality, mythology, and alternate mind states are all attempts to push the limits of human consciousness. Sometimes pushing is called for.

• Creativity. Art, fiction, poetry, music, and other creative endeavors are often the closest people get to putting into words things which cannot be said in words.

Next Section: What Do I Know?

For Further Exploration

A great learning experience can begin with a trip to your local bookstore or library and finding an interesting book on any of the subjects mentioned above, or on any intriguing subject. The Internet also has some useful information, although books still have their advantages. Museums, galleries, zoos, aquaria, nature parks, and such also can enrich experience. Many colleges and organizations offer short courses in a variety of topics. If you need motivation to make the effort, take the "attitude towards learning" section to heart!

Comments?