Gandhi’s Wisdom on Learning and Life

Mahatma Gandhi, a widely respected spiritual leader, once offered this timeless wisdom: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” His profound words continue to hold meaning for many of us. It also reminds us that life is a perpetual learning and growth journey. 

Formal education represents one of the many avenues for expanding our knowledge and honing the skills essential for navigating life’s complexities. When stepping out on our own, we are entrusted to educators who expand our understanding and nurture our abilities and values.

Learning from Family and Caregivers

We’re born into this world without a single droplet of knowledge, but we learn daily from our parents, siblings, grandparents, and those who participate in our upbringing.

With the loving guidance of our family and mentors, we gain the essential skills and knowledge to build a promising future. Ultimately, what is taught to us at an early age stays with us for the rest of our lives. 

The First Day of School May Be Dreaded, But You’ll Miss It Later

It’s common to dread the first day of school; it doesn't matter if it’s your first year or you’re returning from an adventurous summer break. But have you ever stopped to think if it’s worth feeling this way?

School time is all about embracing the period and making the most of it because once you dive into the full-time grind, you might quickly find yourself with a few extra grey hairs, a worn-out mental state, and nothing but the cherished memories of your school days to keep you company.

Today, after all those years, most adults will probably agree that our carefree school days were the absolute best.

The Impact of School Friendships on Our Life

Formal education has a magical way of enriching our social life. At school, we are surrounded by friends who often become lifelong companions. They are the reason we eagerly jump out of bed and hop onto that bus to sit together in a Science class.

In a 2000 study, the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine concluded that peer relationships in early childhood play a crucial role in shaping a child’s self-worth, social skills, and future behavior (1).

The research highlights the importance of stable peer interactions in fostering positive social behavior. It also points out that rejected children, particularly those who are aggressive, are at higher risk for behavioral problems later in life. 

Maintaining friendships isn't always easy; you’re guaranteed to fall out with some of your school friends. Nevertheless, genuine friendships survive and are worth cherishing dearly.

References

1. National Research Council (US) and Institute of Medicine (US), Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development. “From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development.” National Academies Press (US), 2000. | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225557/