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If you are asked why you study, your obvious answer is that your studies
will be useful because you will profit by the knowledge and the work habits
that you acquire. You will apply the things you learn, not merely in making a
success of your vocation, but also in all your thinking, talking, and writing, and
in conduct of the most varied sorts. When you think through new problems or
draw new conclusions, you are using your knowledge. ( 1).(when you
give advice or information to or discuss issues with your friends and when you
write, plan, or take action in social and political affairs in everything you do
-you are using your knowledge. The one great aim of all your study is
increased efficiency of thought and action through putting your knowledge
and skill to use.
Using knowledge is not only the aim of your studying; it is the very essence
of the study process. Knowledge is not something that you can absorb and hold
for later use. Knowledge is acquired only through thinking and doing. The
material in books becomes part of your mental equipment only when you
succeed in tying it to the rest of your knowledge and use your ideas in relation
to one another.
The common saying "We learn through doing" says it all. Learning is an
(2) process. In order to acquire new ideas, you must react to them, put
them to use, talk and write about them, and act upon them.
