Lifelong Learning

Google is hazardous to our intellectual health.

How often does someone tell you to “Google it”? We are told to seek answers to our questions through an algorithm that sifts through websites for relevant information.

Kids stop asking Mom and Dad, “Why?” They just Google it. If we forget who said what about that, we Google it. If we missed a news story, we just ask Google about it.

Does Google satisfy your intellectual curiosity? I’m constantly reminded to be careful about what I listen to. My dad cautioned me to not trust counsel just because it’s in print. I learned at a young age to seek multiple sources before thinking a new thing. I think that discipline propelled me through graduate school.

I shared my passion to study and learn as a professor. My students balked at the long reading lists that came with my classes. I was intentional about growing readers and thinkers. I never apologized for introducing students to the building on campus some called the library. The Government documents librarian loved the inquiring minds sent her way.

I really don’t have an issue with the use of Google to look up quick facts. The danger is that search engines and social media can replace the quest to learn. Information meant for supplemental information should be accessed for primary knowledge. Digging is good.

My experience in libraries is unforgettable and irreplaceable. I remember the miles of book stacks with an odd fondness. I invested many hours to find where the information I needed WAS NOT LOCATED. I learned so many things I didn’t know I wanted to know about. Priceless!

Speaking of libraries—I read a great narrative non-fiction book titled The Library Book by Susan Orlean. If you like books and/or libraries, grab this book for a nice escape into the stacks. The book is well written and rewarding to read.

I also loved my carrel in the underground portion of the library. I felt safe during multiple tornado warnings. But who doesn’t want the passage to heaven by way of fallen book stacks? I felt possessive about my carrel and table at which I worked. My desk at home today is still a long library table. I spread books and notes and files all over the table. The good thing about a home library table is that my cat can purr on my desk while I study. It feels so right.

I plan to love books and studying until I come to know in full. Are you a lifelong learner?

Because you read this newsletter, I offer you one or both of the following lists. Just email me and tell me what you’d like from me. Fortunately, Google hasn’t found my lists yet.

List 1– The Top 5 Reads of my Life. (This is mostly a business list.)

List 2– 10 Books I’m Reading Now. (This list is all over the place)

Bonus List – Podcasts I listen to every week-ish.

Click here to listen to the Greenelines Podcast. Most of my shows are interviews with authors I think you will enjoy.

If you want one of my lists—send an email to me at [email protected] and I will send it to you. I was overwhelmed by the response that I got from last week’s blog. I loved speaking with each of you. I look forward to hearing from more of you this week, your response encourages me to write more.

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