By Phil Geldart on December 13, 2013
Commit to learning about new things (not more about something you already know about);
not necessarily to learn them, but rather to keep the faculty for learning open, effective, and powerful. Learn new things to become a master of learning.
Hinges that are not oiled ultimately rust and become immovable. The mind is very much like those hinges; and acquiring new information, new skills, new ideas – is the oil.
Unless we commit to keeping the hinges oiled, they will ultimately rust. Similarly, unless we commit to regularly learning things, our minds will grow rusty and insensitive to learning new things.
The constant introduction of new ideas and new thoughts, as a matter of principle, is what keeps the mind supple, flexible, and well oiled. Practice it.
When new information is available that is relevant to your needs, it becomes easier to absorb that information if you are in the habit of learning.
To become “set in your ways” is to lose the portals of learning forever. If they are now shut – pry them open!