Philomathy is a fancy word that describes a love of acquiring new knowledge. I cultivate it by being a constant student of life, exploring areas (including new vocabulary) in which I have strong interests and developing new interests. The opposite is stagnation.§
Comparing the actions of one who is philomathic to one who is stagnant§ |
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|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Philomathy§ |
Stagnation§ |
During spare time on weekends and school breaks, you…§ |
study more about your favorite interests, such as ancient history or computer programming.§ |
just relax, play video games and socialize with friends.§ |
When a friend starts using big words like philomathy in conversation, you…§ |
find you want to increase your own vocabulary and embark on a serious daily study.§ |
dismiss her language as pedantic—though you have yet to learn that word.§ |
Reading how Sanskrit is related to many of today’s languages, you…§ |
are inspired to learn the basics of the Sanskrit script and grammar.§ |
conclude that Sanskrit is a dead language and think no more about it.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “The dedicated student who has applied himself seriously leaves college not with a “know-it-all” feeling but with an awareness of the limits of the intellect, and profound respect for the vast amount of knowledge that he has yet to discover or unfold.”§
“Learn to concentrate the mind so that you can study not from books, but from observation, which is the first awakening of the soul. Learn to study by practice. Learn to study by application.”§
ASSIGNMENT: Spend time these next two weeks advancing your knowledge in areas of strong interest.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF PHILOMATHY: 
§
