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A starting point for the theme of this post is ‘personal knowledge’…

It’s somewhat difficult to explain, but I’m going to have a ‘crack at it’ anyway. The original theme was ‘knowledge, what a blessing’ - but as you can see - just the language of that could easily be confused into some quasi-religious rubbish…

What I’m actually thinking about is the progress of humanity, its evolution, and the tools which allow educated people to become even more informed, objective, feeling & humane about the world & people who live in it.

For example, my parents, who are highly educated people - not in the traditional sense, neither had the opportunity past ‘high-school’ in the traditional educational model - and, yet, have brought an amazing wisdom, tolerance, and excitement to my world through their life long ‘thirst’ for learning.

I think we may need to re-define educated. I have met at both ends of the spectrum - cattle farmers to double-degree recipients - people, whom in my opinion, are no more educated than your average house mouse. That is, they have stopped learning. They don’t seem to experience. They might even be frightened and fighting to retain that blessed ignorance…

It’s easy to observe that life-long learning (a much over-used, and under-valued, terminology) results in knowledgeable, calm, and in my experience, pretty wise, people - just think of the people you admire most.

The uneducated counter, of course, is those who appear to be completely rational people but who act and react in completely stupid & self-interested ways. This type of behaviour generally exposes a shallowness of conviction, a lie, a complete lack of empathy or understanding… And anyone who is learning throughout their life will ’see through’ such ridiculousness, pretty much, as soon as it surfaces.

Which brings us neatly to, what might be considered, a ‘wise life’, a ‘learning life’, or maybe that Life’s a Long Song…

When you’re falling awake and you take stock of the new day,
and you hear your voice croak as you choke on what you need to say,
well, don’t you fret, don’t you fear,
I will give you good cheer.

Life’s a long song.
Life’s a long song.
Life’s a long song.

If you wait then your plate I will fill.

As the verses unfold and your soul suffers the long day,
and the twelve o’clock gloom spins the room,
you struggle on your way.
Well, don’t you sigh, don’t you cry,
lick the dust from your eye.

Life’s a long song.
Life’s a long song.
Life’s a long song.

We will meet in the sweet light of dawn.

As the Baker Street train spills your pain all over your new dress,
and the symphony sounds underground put you under duress,
well don’t you squeal as the heel grinds you under the wheel.

Life’s a long song.
Life’s a long song.
Life’s a long song.

But the tune ends too soon for us all.

Life’s a Long Song, Jethro Tull, Living in the Past

A personal knowledge, an understanding, of the world in one exists, its history, cultures, its people and how that ‘plays today’ is the basis for a personal belief system which, if properly nurtured & informed, cannot be broken, and will only grow - from strength to strength.

A personal knowledge, which honestly accepts ones own limitations, provides acceptance of the limitations of others, and, hopefully, naturally progresses to a broader compassion, empathy, and understanding…

An honest and learned conviction…

And, with the tools for continuous learning available today, it can, and will, grow - from strength to strength.