The Self-learning System No School Teaches You

The Self-Learning System: Uncovering the Unwritten Rules of Life

In the realm of education, many of us have been trained to believe that learning is a linear process, where knowledge is compartmentalized into subjects, grades, and diplomas. However, the truth is that the most valuable lessons in life cannot be taught in a classroom or textbook. There is a self-learning system that operates beneath the surface, guiding us through the ebbs and flows of existence. In this article, we will delve into the unwritten rules of life, exploring how the self-learning system shapes our experiences, informs our decisions, and molds our character.

What is the Self-Learning System?

At its core, the self-learning system is an intrinsic process that allows us to learn and adapt in the face of uncertainty. It’s an internal mechanism that enables us to navigate the complexities of life, even when the external environment is hostile, unpredictable, or lacking in explicit instruction. This system operates on a deep, intuitive level, often beneath conscious awareness. It’s the silent observer, the witness to our experiences, and the teacher that provides us with guidance when we need it most.

The self-learning system is comprised of three interconnected components: curiosity, resilience, and contextual thinking.

• Curiosity: This drives our desire to learn, explore, and discover new things. It’s the spark that ignites our interest, motivating us to ask questions, seek answers, and push the boundaries of what we know.
• Resilience: This allows us to bounce back from setbacks, failures, and disappointments. It’s the mental and emotional toughness that enables us to persevere in the face of adversity, learn from our mistakes, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Contextual thinking: This involves considering multiple perspectives, evaluating information in light of past experiences, and making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. It’s the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and navigate complex situations.

Why Schools Don’t Teach the Self-Learning System

Despite its importance, the self-learning system is not explicitly taught in schools. This is partly due to the narrow focus on standardized curricula, pedagogical methods, and assessment frameworks. While these tools serve a purpose, they often emphasize rote memorization, obedience, and conformity over creative thinking, innovation, and self-directed learning.

Moreover, the self-learning system is deeply personal, subjective, and context-dependent. It cannot be reduced to a set of rules, formulas, or procedures that can be transmitted through a textbook or lecture. Instead, it requires a holistic approach, integrating cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of human experience.

How the Self-Learning System Works

The self-learning system operates in response to three fundamental human needs: safety, autonomy, and competence.

• Safety: This refers to our need for physical, emotional, and psychological security. When we feel safe, we can explore, experiment, and take risks without fearing negative consequences.
• Autonomy: This involves our desire for self-governance, making choices, and exercising control over our lives. When we feel autonomous, we can navigate complex situations, take initiative, and develop our own solutions.
• Competence: This is our need to feel capable, effective, and skilled in our pursuits. When we feel competent, we can set goals, strive for excellence, and derive a sense of satisfaction from our accomplishments.

As we engage with the world, our self-learning system is constantly assessing and responding to these needs. Through a process of trial and error, we refine our understanding of what works and what doesn’t, adjusting our strategies and approaches along the way. This iterative cycle of learning and adaptation enables us to grow, develop, and evolve over time.

The Role of Emotions in the Self-Learning System

Emotions play a critical role in the self-learning system, serving as both fuel and feedback. They provide the motivation for exploration, experimentation, and learning. Positive emotions, such as joy, curiosity, and excitement, drive us to engage with the world, seek out new experiences, and push beyond our comfort zones. Negative emotions, like fear, anxiety, and frustration, signal that we may be facing obstacles, uncertainties, or unresolved challenges.

The self-learning system uses emotions as a means of feedback, helping us interpret our experiences and make sense of the world. By paying attention to our emotional states, we can identify areas for growth, acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, and adjust our approach to learning and problem-solving.

Contextual Thinking: The Intersection of Past, Present, and Future

Contextual thinking is a key component of the self-learning system, enabling us to integrate information from diverse sources, consider multiple perspectives, and make sense of complex situations. This involves evaluating past experiences, current circumstances, and potential outcomes, all while keeping a mindful eye on our future aspirations.

Contextual thinking allows us to ask questions like:

• What are the antecedents and consequences of a particular event or decision?
• How might this experience inform my understanding of similar situations in the future?
• What are the potential risks and benefits associated with this course of action?
• How might different stakeholders or perspectives influence this outcome?

Cultivating the Self-Learning System

Given its importance, how can we cultivate the self-learning system? Here are a few strategies to help you develop this intrinsic capacity:

1. Practice curiosity: Engage in activities that spark your curiosity, whether it’s exploring a new hobby, reading books on diverse topics, or asking questions of others.
2. Develop resilience: Learn to cope with setbacks, failures, and disappointments. Practice mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive reappraisal to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.
3. Cultivate contextual thinking: Challenge yourself to consider multiple perspectives, evaluate evidence, and weigh the pros and cons of different options.
4. Embrace uncertainty: Recognize that the unknown is a natural part of life, and that uncertainty can be a catalyst for growth and innovation.
5. Seek out diverse experiences: Engage with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries. This will help you develop contextual thinking and contextual empathy.

The Consequences of Ignoring the Self-Learning System

Failing to cultivate the self-learning system can have far-reaching consequences. When we neglect this intrinsic capacity, we may:

1. Stagnate in our personal and professional growth: Without the ability to learn and adapt, we become stuck in our ways, struggling to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
2. Become overly reliant on external sources of guidance: We may look to others for instruction, advice, or validation, rather than developing our own critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Miss opportunities for innovation and creativity: When we fail to tap into our self-learning system, we may overlook potential solutions, miss connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, or neglect to explore new possibilities.
4. Struggle with self-directed learning: Without the capacity for self-learning, we may require external motivation, structure, or accountability to achieve our goals, rather than developing the internal drive and self-motivation to pursue our passions.

Conclusion

The self-learning system is an intrinsic capacity that guides us through the complexities of life, enabling us to learn, adapt, and grow in the face of uncertainty. While schools and educational institutions may teach us specific skills, knowledge, and expertise, they cannot replace the value of developing our internal resources, such as curiosity, resilience, and contextual thinking.

By cultivating the self-learning system, we can tap into our innate capacity for learning, innovation, and problem-solving, achieving greater success, fulfillment, and satisfaction in our personal and professional lives.

References:

• Bloom, B. S. (ed.) (1985). Developing talent in young people. New York: Ballantine Books.
• Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. New York: Harper & Row.
• Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and education. New York: Macmillan.
• Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books.
• Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
• Piaget, J. (1929). The language and thought of the child. New York: Harcourt, Brace.
• Sternberg, R. J. (2003). Wisdom, intelligence, and creativity synthesized. New York: Cambridge University Press.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). In Interaction between learning and development. Readings on the development of children, 22-27.

Additional Reading:

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

By investing in the self-learning system, you can unlock the full potential of your mind, developing the skills, habits, and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.