“An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't. It's knowing where to go to find out what you need to know; and it's knowing how to use the information you get.”
~ William Feather (American publisher, writer)

This quotation is longer than the others we have discussed so far, but don’t worry – I’ll focus on just a few key points.

First, many students stress about how much they have memorized, or, more often, how much they haven’t memorized. The truth is, memorization plays only a small role in education. Yes, you need to remember certain things – facts, formulas, key concepts – but the real value of learning lies in knowing where to find the information you need and how to use it effectively.

A word of caution: This does not mean you should simply seek out sources that agree with your existing views or biases. Instead, seek out diverse perspectives from trusted sources, so you can form a well-rounded, informed opinion. Good education is not about reinforcing what you already think. It is about expanding your understanding.

The part of Feather’s quotation that emphasizes “differentiating between what you do know and what you don’t” is crucial. Be willing to explore the unknown. Be open to being wrong. Challenge your assumptions.

Too often, students conduct research only to copy or “rephrase” what they have read without truly engaging with the material. They don’t critically examine the validity of the information or test its reliability. They accept the views o others, especially if those sources are deemed professional. This quick acceptance often comes from a desire to finish the task quickly, but rushing through it shortchanges your education.

If you truly want to learn, it is not about memorizing information for the sake of memorization. It is about using your mind to process what you find, integrating it with what you already know and building a strong foundation of knowledge. That foundation should always remain flexible. Be ready to challenge and refine your thoughts as you learn more.

The goal is not to simply regurgitate information, even if it is in your own words. It is to use the knowledge you’ve gained to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions.

Ironically, if you focus on reading, thinking crucially, and expanding your network of knowledge, your memory will improve. The more you learn, the better equipped you will be to learn even more.

And yes, you will surprise yourself with how much you can grow.

Nee a little help finding that path?

Call or e-mail to set up a free information meeting.