𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 ~ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡
A lifelong learner’s perspective
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Across cultures, languages, and generations, I’ve noticed something significant: nearly every culture has a deep and lasting desire to learn — a shared quest for knowledge, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Twelve years ago, while preparing for a Machine Design exam, I came across a Nigerian proverb (possibly in Norton’s textbook on Machine Design) that has stayed with me ever since:
"Not To Learn is not Bad, Not to Wish to Learn is Worse"
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This resonated deeply with a verse I grew up hearing in my own language, Urdu — written by the poet Hali, over 120 years ago:
ہے جستجو کہ خوب سے ہے خوب تر کہاں '' اب ٹھہرتی ہے دیکھیے جا کر نظر کہاں
The quest for the best is relentless. You must continue to gaze, look, and explore without hesitation (A loose translation of the above verse)
And here in Aotearoa New Zealand, I see this same spirit beautifully reflected in 𝐌𝐚̄𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 Māori — the rich, interwoven body of Māori knowledge, passed down through generations. It reminds us that knowledge is not only intellectual, but spiritual, ecological, and relational. Learning is not just an individual act; it’s a sacred responsibility to whānau, whenua, and whakapapa (family, land, and lineage).
🌀 This cultural focus on learning — whether expressed through fables, proverbs, poetry, or indigenous wisdom — has helped Homo sapiens transform the fabric of both nature and history. In every moment of reflection and inquiry, we continue that ripple.
What wisdom from different cultural interactions has shaped how you view learning and paradigm development?