First, acknowledge that, as adults, we need to stay active, setting our own objectives and using our own resources or experience, in the process. If this site can't meet these needs, we fail!

We start with an ancient Persian Proverb to depict levels of readiness in Adult Learning.

Ancient Persian Proverb

He who knows not
and knows not
that he knows not
is asleep. Let him slumber.

Readiness: This person is Closed. They are likely numb to discomfort in some area.

Understanding: If they experience rejection from groups because of their unwitting interference with problem solving processes, they may seek therapy. Attempts to set them straight will only make them close off more!

He who knows not
and knows
that he knows not
is awakening.
Be a light unto his dawn.

Readiness: This person is Opening to new experience. They are ready to explore!

Understanding: Opening implies, perhaps a slight closing off because of an uncomfortable experience. A hand on the hot stove tells us of violating natural law. The negative feelings are clues to discover where one might be at odds with their true nature and purpose. The "light" which is needed is inspiration from a respectful friend. Here Counselling shines!

He who knows
and knows not
that he knows
is awake. Teach him.

Readiness: This person is Open. They are ready to learn. Educate. (From Latin; educare, means to draw out, not stuff in)!

Understanding: Being open, one is immediately ready to acquire some competence. Adult education requires using the resources of the learners. Also, they most actively pursue their own personal learning objectives! Sounding Board can host this work!

He who knows
and knows
that he knows
is a wise one.
Pay heed unto him.

Readiness: This person is Knows that Life is an unending quest for wisdom, or "sense of the fitness of things."

Understanding: In our quest for wisdom, we see that knowledge is not enough. We must discern, often with the sixth sense of inspiration! Sounding Board Groups can help hone this talent!

Next, jump to INCENTIVES (right column) to see how our desire to learn depends on What's Interesting orFun.

*** INCENTIVES ***

Why learn anything?
1. We are attracted to food, body comfort, sex or just associating with other people.
2. We are repelled by pain or discomfort of any sort. Thus we are eager to learn about increasing pleasure and reducing discomfort. Money is simply a promise of desirable attraction and avoidance! But the news is still out when we have more money than we can use. Nevertheless, numbers and Status have symbolic value.

FUN!

Aside from the above apparently practical reasons for learning, three internal incentives come into play.

First, we are constantly seeking to make changes in our ideas or "mindsets." But, we need them to change as our favorite speed: Not too fast or too slow.

We experience Fun when pull this off! In playing games, we can put a lot of effort into "unproductive" work.

Secondly, we like dealing with new info which comes into our head. Yet, ideas which don't fit with our current mindset are alarming. It can be fun to bring unlikely ideas together.

Some jokes are based on this. So, we work very hard to adapt the new info. But, if it gets "too hard," we dump these ideas. Unfortunately, we can reject the source of ideas as well.

Finally, we are unwittingly urged to complete plans we have set up for ourselves. It seems, we have a gyroscope which aims our activities in this direction and this is the basis of goal setting at work and life in general.

This too can produce a fun experience as we seem to accidentally come upon info or people important to our "sense of direction.

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