Unlearning
Caption by Snapcase
In a conversation about unlearning the other day I realized how essential this capability was for the evolution of our society. Strikingly. Especially today.
The main cause for my concern is how much information we’re feeding on, digesting and making room for. And the only reason I think it’s “we’re feeding on” rather than “being fed” is that I’m not sold on the fact we can’t control it. We can talk forever about setting up boundaries and rules for ourselves, protecting us from the multiple streams of trash that lurk in every media outlet. But we needed to learn that 10 years ago before we took the deep dive as an online society. So…Unlearning. :)
Now let’s not be confused by thinking that most of what we’re absorbing is pure rubbish, only a decent mix. Sufficient enough for us to accomplish the basics and lead enjoyable lives. I on the other hand am more interested in living an extraordinary life where I make a difference in all the areas I feel passionate about..
As babies and children we have a wonderful knack for learning. Open eyes and minds that want to latch on to everything seen and spoken. We had nothing but creative open energy; a world filled with wonders that don’t need to be understood to be experienced and appreciated. Unlimited control over the power of imagination allowing all possibilities to exist, all doors open, no preconceived thoughts of inaccessibility.
Unlearning is getting back to that phase.
We continuously learn and grow and absorb and digest. We learn until our mind gets filled with knowledge on all sorts of understandings on life and history and sciences and politics and how things are and how things ought to be until we reach a point where we believe we get it. For better or for worse life can be boiled down to it’s simplest parts and this is the way things are meant to be. :( That’s sad.
True learning is understanding what you do and don’t know. Which in many ways is impossible. Thus understanding that you don’t truly know anything is the essence of unlearning.
It’s time for clearing the brain! What was once thought does not have to be. To that point, the thought is often the only precursor to what ends up being. Unlearn, change your thought, and the sky is the limit. Put boundaries and rules into what you’re willing to absorb and you’ve finally gained the mental control that matters. Where our society goes next is dependent on what we believe to be the truth.
