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Published Oct 28, 2020

#656: The Hidden Pleasures of Learning for Its Own Sake

Zena Hitz delves into the inherent joys and transformative power of learning for its own sake, advocating for intellectual communities and critiquing modern education's focus on achievements rather than intellectual curiosity, while sharing insights from her work "Lost in Thought."
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Episode Highlights

  • Great Books

    discusses the distinctive Great Books curriculum at St. John's College, emphasizing its role in fostering independent thought. The program encourages students to engage deeply with texts, from ancient Greek works to 20th-century literature, without the pressure of standardized testing 1. This approach nurtures a love for learning by allowing students to explore subjects at their own pace and according to their interests 2. Zena shares her personal journey, highlighting how this educational model rekindled her passion for intellectual exploration 3.

    We think that education is about cultivating a free mind, a person who can formulate their own questions and undertake their own answers.

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    The curriculum's unique structure, which includes seminars and discussions, helps build a strong sense of community among students.

       

    Student-Driven

    The importance of student-driven learning is central to 's philosophy, as it fosters independence and a deeper understanding of subjects. She argues that when students pursue knowledge for its own sake, they often find unexpected joy and fulfillment 4. This intrinsic motivation can lead to a lifelong passion for learning, as students discover the beauty and complexity of subjects like mathematics and literature 5.

    There's just a pleasure of just learning for the sake of learning because it's just part of being human.

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    Zena also highlights the role of community in supporting this type of learning, suggesting that connections beyond social media can enhance the educational experience.

       

    Educational Critique

    critiques modern educational models for their focus on achievement over intellectual excitement. She believes that this emphasis on grades and standardized testing stifles creativity and genuine curiosity 6. Instead, Zena advocates for a return to learning that prioritizes personal growth and intellectual pleasure, encouraging individuals to engage with great books and cultivate a reflective inner life 7.

    Reading great books is a really, really good way of cultivating one's inner life and cultivating a life of reflection.

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    She suggests that finding a community of like-minded learners can help overcome the challenges posed by modern educational systems.

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