The Test of a Student

 “The test of a student is not how much he knows, but how much he wants to know.”

The extent of his will to embrace embarrassment by openly acknowledging his ignorance when he has detected it — to truly embrace the ordinary lessons and discoveries that connect the pieces to the extraordinary. For life is so designed that unless we have understood the basics, we cannot appreciate, comprehend, and realize the complex. Indeed, it is similar to opportunities. Which, like information, will imperceptibly pass you by in broad daylight simply because you are not trained nor equipped with the resources to realize it.

When we know something, we feel valuable, if not superior, and there is nothing wrong with this. What is wrong is when our superiority is threatened by the detection of ignorance along the path. 

When we’re well informed, we are useful, and even life-changing to those who do not know. When we refuse to acknowledge our ignorance, however, we are destructive to our own selves. And then we pollute our environment with our ego — which then spreads to affect everyone, including those who truly look up to us — our children and associates, which creates a society of know-it-alls. A society that perceives the detection of ignorance as weakness, not as opportunity to grow and explore further.

A student is not distinguished by age or time. We are all students of the game of life. And so, let this be your daily guide.

Modesty in your current abilities, curiosity towards this immense universe, and an acceptance of your flaws.

Cancelo Alvarez