![]() Webster's 1828 Dictionary states that, "[Discovery is] the act of finding out, or coming to the knowledge of; as the discovery of truth." Whenever I think of discovering something, I think of finding a gold mine or searching for buried treasure. Searching with all my might, no matter what, to find what I've been seeking. A discovery is whatever makes a person feel they've dug up "gold". It is something that makes them feel rich and satisfied knowing they've found the answer. Being taught doesn't always give this feeling. However, there is nothing that can replace discovery and sometimes it comes through teaching. Maybe the love of discovery will be inspired through a teacher. Just like miners, sometimes we have to be taught to find gold. I love to discover truth. I love to learn and research things I'm interested in. I have great teachers and have learned a great many things, but some of my most memorable learning experiences have been through quiet pondering and meditation on my own. Often, these quiet moments have been inspired by a teacher. They have encouraged me to take what I have learned and seek knowledge and better understanding. Every person learns in their own way. I agree with Thomas Aquinas' statement, "Since there is a twofold way of acquiring knowledge–By discovery and by being taught–The way of discovery is the higher, and the way of being taught is secondary." We all have to start somewhere, and learning is good. As we learn, we can start to discover gold nuggets and discover truth. Teaching and discovery both have important roles and we can benefit from both.
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![]() Logic is very important when seeking truth and knowledge. Sometimes we are wrong and need to take a step back to see the truth. If the great scientists and mathematicians had just gone with what everyone was saying, or thrown a fit about other ideas, they wouldn't be the great people we know today. They took what they knew and figured things out calmly and composedly. However, sometimes we learn things the hard way. Sometimes things are difficult and logic doesn't make sense. Sometimes, things we feel can't be explained. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck learns that what's right isn't always easy or the best option for your reputation. Logic would tell him to send Jim back to be punished, but in his heart, he knew doing that was wrong. Love, friendship, hope, these things can't always be logical, but as we use logic, reason and our own conscience, we can grow and learn truth despite what the world's views of it may be. ![]() When I first read Fahrenheit 451, I felt a connection with Guy when he realized that books aren't worthless, that they could teach him and help him learn truth. Today people are throwing books away in exchange for electronic versions that just aren't the same. Every day libraries are getting rid of classics while filling shelves with garbage. It makes my heart ache. Books teach us things we otherwise would learn the hard way. With books, we are able to learn things from a safe distance. We are able to think for ourselves just like Augustine knew. Books provide freedom. They give us hope and strength, and they expand and open our minds to new possibilities and different opportunities. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "From the reading of good books there comes a richness of life that can be obtained in no other way. It is not enough to read newspapers...but to become acquainted with real nobility as it walks the pages of history and science and literature is to strengthen character and develop life in its finer meanings." Having a personal and/or city library with paper books is truly a blessing. Henry Ward Beecher said, "Books are the windows through which the soul looks out. A house without books is like a room without windows...A little library growing larger every year is an honorable part of a young man's [or woman's] history. It is a man's [or woman's] duty to have books. A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessaries of life." I have been surrounded by books my entire life. I consider them some of my best friends, and they have made me who I am today. The fight to keep physical books is worthwhile. |
AuthorJust a girl who loves to read. Archives
March 2018
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