RISCARIO INSIDER

November 28, 2010

ALBERT EINSTEIN ON EDUCATION AND LEARNING

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education. — Albert Einstein

High school students at TEDxIBYork and Schulich MBA students at the Philanthropic Leadership Workshop got me thinking about formal education in today's fast changing world.

By the time you graduate, part of your education is already out of date. Yet what you've learned is far different from what your parents and potential employers know. You're behind and ahead at the same time.

Learning

Most teachers waste their time by asking questions which are intended to discover what a pupil does not know, whereas the true art of questioning has for its purpose to discover what the pupil knows or is capable of knowing. — Albert Einstein

We learn in different ways. Despite best efforts, that's where formal education may let you down.

Maybe you excel in a classroom setting with a fixed syllabus, homework and exams. Online video may be your thing. You might like reading books or listening to them. You may work better in isolation or in groups. Or a combination of the preceding.

Once you find out what works best for you, go to it! Do try other ways occasionally. The ways you learn may change. I did well in school but cringe at the thought of taking another formal course. I now prefer self-study "just in time" learning for what's important at the moment.

Environment

You adapt to your environment. You think like your peers and community. Even rebels conform to the norm for rebels. You may not notice that others think differently until you're exposed to other perspectives. As you decide if those views have merit, you have the opportunity to change your thinking and perhaps your life.

There's a drawback in becoming an MBA, engineer, doctor, accountant or fund raiser. We risk becoming more like our peers than the people we want to help. Our solutions tend to be similar to our peers'.

As in The Matrix, it's not evident that you have a distorted view of the world around you. I didn't realize this until nine years after university. I thought my actuarial training gave me a clear view of the world. Instead, I found that I thought like my peers actuaries and was puzzled when others couldn't see what was "obvious" to us. Since then, I've focused on getting exposed to different perspectives and understanding them. Synthesizing disparate sources gives you a unique lens on the world.

Education

Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.
— Albert Einstein

You'll eventually find that what you learned in school doesn't matter. Knowing that may help you through boring material taught by dull teachers. Education teaches you to think on your own. Once you do, you're equipped to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing world.

Podcast Episode 94 (3:50)

direct download | Internet Archive page

PS Albert Einstein also said "Imagination is more important than knowledge."

November 21, 2010

PLANNING BEYOND THE WEDDING

"Would they ever look so happy again the handsome groom and his bride as they stepped into that long black limousine for their mystery ride?"
— Bruce Springsteen, Walk Like A Man

Watching might change an outcome because of the observer effect. That's bad news for scientists but helps with our futures. A wedding is an ideal time to look forward. What happens when you look back years later?

A recent Indian wedding was recorded by one videographer, three photographers and many amateurs. As you'd expect, the rolling video camera tripod had the best position — right at the front of the stage. The photographers moved about and the knack of picking the ideal point for a specific shot. One photographer stood watching when not taking photos. As a consequence, the audience's line of site was often obstructed.

What's more important

memorializing an event for future viewing?
maximizing the experience for the live audience?

Since a wedding has the most significance for the bride, groom and immediate family, their interests take precedence. That's fine. The sacrifice for the audience is minor. Besides, you see enough weddings in Bollywood movies.

Opposites Distract

A newborn quickly teaches parents the importance of now with their intense, immediate demands. They aren't patient. A child continues these lessons. Still impatient. Other priorities drop in importance because they aren't urgent. We tend to put off what we can. For example, preparing for contingencies such as the four financial risks. They seem unlikely or so far away. Until they're not. Objects may be closer than we think — even if obstructed or in a blind spot.

Opposites may attract but combine a spender with a saver and expect conflicts. Planning is tough even if you and your spouse agree on priorities.

Looking Back

We can replay events but we can't change the past. Professional events have multiple video cameras watching from a distance. This keeps the views unobstructed and provides additional perspectives.

You're better able to build a past you'll want to remember, if you consider the experience of others. Dr. John Izzo compiled the shared wisdom of those age 60-105 in The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die (don't let the title put you off).

Looking Forward

When you do what you ought to do, when you ought to do it, the day will come when you will be able to do what you want to do when you want to do it.
— Zig Ziglar

What aren't you doing that you know would help you? Make a list. You needn't prioritize, act or schedule right away. The process still helps free your mind. As a bonus, you'll save time when you're preparing your New Year's Resolutions.

Podcast Episode 93 (3:59)

direct download | Internet Archive page

PS How often do couples re-watch their wedding videos?