Cognition - Values - Habits

 The evolution of human intellect follows a pattern. From a state of gazing and wondering at phenomena that it cannot understand,  the intellect evolves to a state of observation, due to increase in curiosity.  Curiosity is kindled by the gestalt nature of the brain that drives it to 'achieve completion'.  From this state of observation, where it makes many erroneous and superstitious conclusions, it goes forward to the state of 'Scientific Analysis', correlating 'effects' with 'causes' that can be explained, validated and verified. We, as a whole race, are now in the  'knowledge powered'  world fuelled by this 'Scientific' temper.  Individually, not everyone, may have evolved to this state.

As students, we go through the process of education to lift us up from the state of gazing and mere observation, to one of Scientific analysis.  Systems of learning including projects and activities at school as well as those organised by organisations and bodies like Science India Forum, play a significant role in inculcating the scientific temper.  'Knowledge is Power', it is a great enabler, much more than 'money-power', made possible only through the process of cognition and the consequent firing of creative and productive energies in each one of us.

We all know that the discoveries and inventions of  'science and technology'  go through a process of 'creation', 'maturation' and 'ubiquity'.  Take for example the case of  'electricity'; it took years  of maturing after it was invented to make it available to domestic users without them having to know anything about electricity. It is now so ubiquitous that we hardly take notice of it (unless of course when there is an outage !). We take it so much for granted, that our greed and misuse are now taking its toll.

That brings us to the last state of intellectual expansion, the state of 'reflective thinking' and 'wisdom'.  Larger goals, higher purposes in life and of cooperative endeavours  mark this evolved state.  This is the ultimate state of perfection that you as students  should always strive for.

The three step process to perfection in life could be thus charted out as Cognizing, instilling of Values and formation of good Habits:

[Creation]  Cognition - acquiring knowledge and understanding through sensing, feeling, perceiving, judging, and thinking  - is the creative energy within that help us to seed all productive endeavours.  Not only does this sow the seeds of action, but also helps to categorize, organize and connect with the existing conceptual structures within.

[Maturation]  All productive engagements need to be instilled with value systems to make it mature into socially salubrious activities.  The maturing of productive activities through value systems in the minds of children is not possible unless and until they take ownership of the values that drive them to higher goals and purposes in life.

 [Ubiquity]  Repeatedly and  consistently engaging in Values based actions, without any compromises help build habits. Habits are inherent tendencies that are ubiquitous in our very nature.  A positive and cooperative nature that is built on the foundation of creativity and value systems lead to values based Self Actualisation.

So  THINK creatively,  ACT on Values and emerge with CHARACTER; for, the 'end of education is character' !!

 Satish.