NEUROPLASTICITY & THE LOVE OF LEARNING: Embracing the Philomath Within

"LIVE AS IF YOU WERE TO DO DIE TOMORROW. LEARN AS IF YOU WERE TO LIVE FOREVER." -Mahatma Gandhi

One of the most powerful abilities we possess is the capacity for learning. It is through the process of learning that we evolve and expand our potential. For many, however, the concept of learning has become synonymous with pursuing a formal education- classrooms, textbooks, exams and structured curricula.

While formal education plays a significant role, it is by no means the only path to learning and expanding one's knowledge base and proficiency. By embracing the mindset of a philomath, defined as someone who loves learning, we can set ourselves on a lifelong personal path that is not limited by age, environment, curriculum or highest level of education achieved.

The love of learning is universal among humans, starting from early infancy, and cannot be categorized as a discrete pattern of "interested in learning" or "disinterested in learning." It is better described as falling within a continuum with the placement of the philomath at the right tail of the normal distribution (if measured by the degree to which one has an insatiable appetite for the learning process).

We all have an inner philomath who, perhaps, is waiting to be inspired by something that will ignite passion or purpose. For some, it has been asleep at the wheel having spent years confusing the love of learning with formal or restricted principles of education. For the philomath, there is an internal drive to seek new information. Philomaths are curious, integrative and driven by a desire to expand their knowledge (within areas of interest). They thoroughly enjoy the active process of learning. We all have an inner philomath. Embracing this part of ourselves is brain protective. Advances in neuroscience explain why.

NEUROPLASTICITY

Our brains are remarkably adaptable, reshaping themselves in response to new knowledge and experiences, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. Neuroscience challenged?the long held assumption that?our brain, our operating system, is rigid and that once we're past a certain age, few changes can take place.

We now know that?the brain, with its billions of interconnected neurons communicating with one another through the transmission of electric nerve impulses, is more malleable than previously thought. Our neurons have an?enormous number of?computational abilities with various capacities, and the experiences we have will determine which of those capacities will be utilized and strengthened.?

In essence, our brain is able to change, create new neural pathways and re-organize itself in response to life experiences. It is rewiring itself based on the experiences we feed it!

The ability of our brain to change and grow, no matter our age, is not just a biological fact but also an invitation to cultivate a love for learning. Each time we engage in a novel task—whether it's learning to speak a language, play a musical instrument, or practice a tennis shot or dance routine, our brain strengthens existing neural pathways and creates new ones. We know of no limit to what the brain can learn. By embracing neuroplasticity, we can reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and expansion rather than as limitations believing that the material, course content or activity is "too hard," resulting in prematurely giving up rather than pushing through.

What happens when we embrace new learning and push through the challenges? The brain becomes more cognitively flexible and sharper, resulting in greater creativity and confidence. Also, engaging in lifelong learning is brain protective against cognitive decline and developing neurodegenerative diseases. While this will not be the case for everyone, there is enough scientific support to suggest that embracing the mindset and behaviors of a philomath can be incredibly rewarding and brain supporting.

If you are already a philomath, then continue to nurture your love of learning. If you don't identify as one, then presented below are characteristics of a philomath. I am of the opinion that If you've read this far, you may be pleasantly surprised that you already belong to the "I LOVE LEARNING" or philomathy club.

"AN INVESTMENT IN KNOWLEDGE PAYS THE BEST INTEREST." -Benjamin Franklin

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A PHILOMATH

• CURIOUS: Philomaths have a strong desire to know or learn something. Curiosity drives their intellect. Exploring, discovering and questioning are in the playbook of the curious. Curiosity also helps the philomath push beyond the learning comfort or "frustration" zone. The process of grappling with and overcoming challenges is how and when our brain undergoes the most significant growth.

• LIFELONG LEARNER: Education for the philomath does not end once they graduate from an academic institution. The degree is often seen as the starting point in learning and not the end. To the philomath, there is always more to learn; both in width and depth. You will find the philomath signing up for on-line courses, reading books, attending lectures, taking on new hobbies, etc.

• MULTIPOTENTIATE: A multipotentiate is someone with many interests and creative pursuits. Philomaths' wide range of interests and the enjoyment of collecting and integrating knowledge create a continuous feedback loop for learning. For example, a philomath may enjoy digging deeper into her knowledge of psychology and yoga and in so doing comes to realize their similarities. This then invites more questions, igniting curiosity. The question becomes: What more can I learn here as I integrate the two?"
• CRITICAL THINKER: The philomath will not be easily satisfied with quick and surface-level explanations. Information must pass the test of objective analysis and evaluation. Probing deeper feels satisfying to the philomath. Questions such as: "Is this true?" and "Is there information that challenges this thinking?" are part of the philomath's thinking and vernacular.

The magic of learning lies in its diversity—there is no one or right way to learn. Embrace your philomath within. Keep learning. There are so many interesting adult courses you can choose from that offer a flexible schedule and curriculum. You can also continue to read, travel, engage in thought provoking discussions with your friends and colleagues, and attend lectures and seminars that nourish your craving for learning. There’s no need to pressure yourself to become an expert in any one area—explore freely and let your curiosity guide you.

"THE ONLY PERSON WHO IS EDUCATED IS THE ONE WHO HAS LEARNED HOW TO LEARN AND CHANGE." -Carl Rogers

BRAIN HEALTH

In addition to life-long learning, I leave you with other science supported?activities to help keep your brain agile, flexible and youthful.?

• Engage socially with individuals whose habits, behaviors, and mindset you admire. Our relationships matter and, over time, we become similar to the 5 people with whom we mostly interact. Choose wisely!?
• Embrace mindfulness and cultivate a daily meditation practice.
• Eat nutrient-dense food, and limit the consumption of nutrient-empty food; especially sugar.?
• Laugh and Play.
• Exercise; move your body daily.
• Manage levels of stress.
• Get creative; embrace a hobby. ?
• Practice yoga.
• Journal.
• Do something new! Novel experiences enhance our neural pathways.?Ask yourself:

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME I DID SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME?

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME I LEARNED SOMETHING NEW?

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The information presented in this blog is intended for general knowledge?and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.?

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