a commitment to lifelong learning
So what's with all these references to chickens and geese? The social philosopher Eric Hoffer may best illustrate the reason:
“In times of change...
learners inherit the earth,
While the learned
Find themselves beautifully equipped
to deal with a world
that no longer exists.”
Emphasis ours.
Those who say “I’ve heard that before” are on their way to mediocrity. —Todd Duncan
What's our distinction between learner and learned? Life mastery guru Todd Duncan says that attitude is everything in all that we do. He continues by saying that those who hear practical advice, teachings and words of wisdom and respond “I’ve heard that before” are on their way to mediocrity. Too many people believe that they have learnt all there is to know in their fields, or that they are able to create their own systems, or that they have little or nothing to learn or gain from other compatriots who surround them. These people have stopped learning and have ceased to grow. Hoffer is wise in suggesting that those who continue to learn and grow are the ones who will gain everything. It is this continuous learning that ensures that, to paraphrase Maxwell and Dr David J Schwartz (author of The Magic of Thinking Big), we will live until we die.
The road to significance, that of being able to make a difference in the world in whatever capacity we have, is the road of constant learning, with the humilty and teachable attitude to recognise that there is wisdom to gain in the footsteps of others who have gone before us. A good leader is one who also knows when to follow, like the geese in flying formation.
This brings us to the final tenet of our invitation to partnership. If you agree with the wisdom of continuous or lifelong learning, if you believe more people ought to strive for significance, and if you are willing to follow when necessary, then you are very likely someone we are looking for.
