Knowing.

It’s crucial to know, learn and read. Yet it’s sad that knowledge is now measured by the degrees and certificates we possess.

I question the global political authorities’ methods of quantifying the learning process, tearing apart the essence of how individualised it must be. Some of us are blessed by the educational systems but, many experience grave injustice when their potentials are hindered.

I believe that the educational system is a blessing for many, for not all of us are able to take lead of our own learning process. However, we are being socialised to think that schools and universities are offering all what is there in the disciplines being taught, which is firmly untrue. So much lies beyond textbooks and curricula; many opinions, arguments and contradictions. We are supposed to be aware of that.

All I want to reveal here is that, one should never stop chasing knowledge. We don’t have to classify ourselves from a young age by saying we aren’t good at a certain discipline and be completely ignorant. Thinking, analysing and coming up with hypothesis all strengthen our neural pathways, making our brains more fit to think clearly. It would be difficult to get brainwashed by the media’s miscellaneous propagandas; it’s then clearer for us to develop this selective ignorance that shields us from the flow of meaningless information, all based on others’ perceptions.

The media has become valiantly powerful. Everything being written and shared is backed up by the science behind persuasion. It’s scary, and I can see the effect so clearly, especially in teenagers of the current generation. Personally, I’ve been adversely affected by media but it’s formidable these days for many to discern what is fake and what is true.

That’s why I firmly believe that knowledge itself must be purely analysed. We need to think of how we think, process information and make assumptions. It’s a new skill we need to acquire in order to stay who we are in so many aspects, culture-wise. We need not restrict our knowledge but still be able to limit it to what we think is beneficial and relevant to our own ideologies.

I will be forever passionate about learning, reflecting and making progress. The reason behind this is somehow very individualistic; I like it when things make sense, when I develop this genuine connection with the world around me and get attached to certain truths. It gives me a sense of belonging, to know more about humanity and the world in general. It’s true that I’m not good at assimilating all kinds of knowledge, but it’s still thrilling. Still empowering. Still valuable.

It’s a blessing to be aware of this, and I hope that one day, I get to share this realisation with others. This is the real value— sharing knowledge and building it up; a process I’d like to be a part of.