I found the following quote: “The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.” By Herbert Spencer to be relevant to our everyday learning. The message that Spencer tries to convey here is that it is not what one knows that counts but rather what one does with the knowledge that counts. As it is quite apparent, the world today is driven by actions, and what it needs is individuals to embed what they have already learned into action.
Thesis: I can relate to Spencer's quote because it helps me to enhance my learning through acting on the knowledge I get.
The world today is inclined to making learning more practical than theoretical. This is because they understand that without action, knowledge breeds a state of boredom, pestilence, and conformity in our thoughts. This new approach taken is directed towards empowering young people to be active society members by granting them knowledge and as well training them to be competent (Youths opens the space, p.2). This can be seen in our day-to-day learning where we are constantly encouraged to practice what we learn in school. As a student, I find this to be beneficial to me since I understand that if I fail to act on my knowledge I will not be able to cope with the daily challenges life has to offer.
Additionally, I think I relate to Spencer’s words because it will help me to practice what I learn. During the learning process, acting on knowledge acquired helps me, not only to understand a problem better but also, to find a practical and realistic ways to solve it. This is important for perfecting my skills and in assisting me to remember and understand concepts for longer periods. On the other hand, it is also important to understand that the sword of knowledge can only put an end to prejudice and illiteracy when sharpened through actions. Contrastingly, when sheathed the blade tarnishes and eventually becomes dull (Nancy par.6).
For instance, for the past few semesters, I have had a problem remembering and understanding what we have been taught in class. I have had as much knowledge as I can get, but the mere fact that I have not been putting anything to practice has contributed a lot to my heedlessness in whatever I learn. However, Spencer’s words stimulated me to reflect and come up with a new strategy and approach to learning new things and retain those that learned before.
I was able to remember and understand more by acting on the knowledge I already have and the new things I was learning. This method was effective considering, doing this was not only involving my mind but also connecting it to other parts of the body. Apart from being an interesting mode of learning, acting on knowledge has helped me to become aware of applying whatever I have studied in real life situation.
In conclusion, I feel that this quote by Herbert Spencer has really altered my attitude towards learning and my perception towards handling problems. The same things that appeared to be difficult before are now easy and enjoyable because I now learn them differently. As much as I am able to get theoretical knowledge on how things work and get knowledge through the experience of others, acting on it helps me to acquire skills and techniques. I can now get a deeper understanding of concepts taught in class through action and personal experience.
Works Cited
UNESCO. "YOUTH OPENS THE SPACE active participation for sustainable development." Grad Loznica. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2016. <www.loznica.rs/cms/mestoZaUploadFajlove/call_pax_yots2009.pdf>.
Christie, Nancy. "“The Great Aim of Education is Not Knowledge but Action.” Herbert Spencer." Nancy Christie – Author. Writer. Speaker. Blogger. N.p., 27 Sept. 2009. Web. 18 May 2016. <http://www.nancychristie.com/makeachange/2009/09/the-great-aim-of-education-is-not-knowledge-but-action-herbert-spencer/>.
