The Day You Stop Learning, You Start Dying

There is one saying I hear when I was still a boy, “the day you stop learning, you start dying.” At that time I no really understand it well, I just felt it was one of those big English adults like to say. But as life dey move, I begin see truth inside that words.

One small story. I remember when my uncle lost his job many years ago. He worked in printing press, he was so good at it. But time change, computer and new machine enter the work, and he refuse to learn. He always say, “I have been doing this for 20 years, I don’t need new style.” Slowly, the company replace him because he no fit handle the new things. After that, life was very hard for him. I think back now, and I see clearly the moment he stop learning, he started dying small small in spirit.

Learning no be only about school or classroom. It can be small things like learning how to cook new food, or learning new skill with your phone, or even learning from mistake you make yesterday. Every day is teacher if you open your eyes.

Sometimes people feel learning is for children, but that is wrong. Old man can still learn how to use WhatsApp. Woman wey sell food for street can learn new way to attract customer. Even farmer can learn better method to plant and get more harvest. Nobody is too old or too wise to add one small knowledge. Me personally, I notice when I stop reading or stop trying new things, my mind dey dull. But once I push myself, even if na YouTube video or talking to person wey know more than me, I feel alive again. Learning dey give hope and fresh energy.

The truth be say, life dey move fast. If you no learn, you go remain behind. That’s why I believe in a saying that says “the day you stop learning, you start dying.” For you to keep fortified, we must keep growing, keep asking questions, and keep trying new things everyday. So my advice to anyone reading this: don’t ever close your mind. Stay curious like pikin. Because na learning go keep your spirit alive.