For the Sake of Learning

Have you ever questioned which is better: Formal education or self education?

After 5 years of higher education, I can truly say I learned more from the books and subjects I choose to read on my own accord. I try to read 1 book per week, and also listen to an audiobook a week. On average, I hit my target. In addition, I read research data and also watch YouTube videos of other experts in my field. If only I had the same desire for formal education as I have had for self education.

Don't get me wrong, I am not diminishing the importance of formal education, it is important and provides structured elements that tend to provide a good challenge. However, for me in my 5 years of college, I rarely had the desire to sit still in a classroom for three hours. I`m very active and sitting still for that long was a major challenge. While I was in college, I didn't realize that I really needed to be fully engaged in what I was learning to have a lasting impact. We all know that we won't retain information unless we apply it in someway, so it's silly to think we`ll remember everything we learn in college classes. However, there is something great to be learned during the process besides just the specific knowledge needed for our career path.

I have had conversations with mentors of mine, and other professionals that I look up to that have placed a huge emphasis on my formal education. However, when we have discussed self and continuing education, it was apparent that I was more engaged at this time in the learning process. Not that one is better then the other, but self education cannot be devalued. Passion sparks the desire and the willingness to commit to studies; whether formal or informal.

Many successful entrepreneurs do not have degrees, but you will always find them indulging in learning processes. No, I do not just mean trial and error experience, though that is often the case too. John Maxwell said this:

 "Experience is not the best teacher; evaluated experience is the best teacher.
Reflective thinking is needed to turn experience into insight..."  

I don't know about some of you, but I was never taught to go to school for the simple sake of learning. To me, it seemed that the emphasis was always to "do better" or get a good grade so that I could receive my diploma or degree, and then be finished with the process. I perceived the learning process as one in which the only motive was to "do better" and "be better"; in which the process itself was completely overlooked. 

If we can spark passion within our youth and even our adults, we will surely find a way to educated ourselves in our area of interest via internet, Google, YouTube, textbooks and formal education systems. Every piece of knowledge we wish to attain is right at our fingertips. As entrepreneurs we should be very excited about the opportunity with or without degrees! 

Me personally? I`m going back to school for another degree simply for the sake of learning, for the first time in my life. I am already committed to self studies, why not have another formally respected degree to add to my networth? I will forever be an advocate of self education. Afterall, how many people got their bachelor degree and never picked up another book again in their life? Too many. Perhaps that's the problem. 

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.

-Albert Einstein