All the roads we travel started with the first step of a pioneer, then by countless others utilizing, appreciating and extending the roads. In the same way, all knowledge, technology, art, literature, music, science and everything else, even our genetices, are summations of everything that has existed on this planet. These creations are beautiful.
When I learn, I exprience the same thought processes, the same excitement of discovery, and the same emotions and drama experienced by the first pioneers and all who followed. And so much more beauty is yet to be created or discovered and appreciated, learned.
I am also very fulfilled in thought, when my mind searches and analyzes, striving to learn, for truth and beauty unknown to me. One can define learing as living for truth and for the betterment of human life.
For us to be good learners, then, we must be humble and open-minded in our attitudes. Pride prevents learning: who can fully appreciate the truth whose mind is closed? We must appreciate, enjoy, believe whole-heartedly.
If we are beings combined from physical matter and something higher, learning surely enriches our higher self. Even if we do not persist in time, we can still remain forever in what we do here, now. The steps I make on this earth will extend existing roads of knowledge so that others can pass later. Perhaps I may forge a new road for others to enjoy. Though my name may not be written on the new road, my steps, my small contributions, will be engraved there forever, for others to learn.
* 쇼 야노가 열세 살이던 2004년 보잉사에 써낸 에세이
