The more I learned, the better I see how little I know
When I was in school, there was a prayer that always stuck with me especially the starting line of the prayer “The more I learn, the better I see, how little I know.” At the time, these words were just a chant, a part of the routine, something to repeat without really thinking. I couldn't wait to finish school, get out into the world, and leave behind these routine tasks.
As I grew older and progressed through my studies and later into the workforce, I thought I had reached a point where I had acquired enough knowledge and experience. That my struggles and achievements in college, university and at my job had finally prepared me to face the world. I thought I finally knew how to survive in a foreign land, how to rent a flat, how to study in a foreign university, how to build networks with students from different nationalities, how to be an excellent employee, how to manage finances and how to travel confidently abroad. I thought I had learnt it all until I didn’t…
As I moved forward, I began to realize how much I had left to discover. Each new challenge uncovered even more areas I had yet to explore. There were yet mountains to climb and new perspectives to gain.
I still had to learn how to manage new relations along with strengthening existing relationships, living in a foreign land also meant learning ways to stay connected with my roots. Although I focused on becoming good at work also meant learning how to have a good work life balance. In order to learn managing finance also meant not feeling guilty when I invested in my selfcare by buying a ticket to my favourite play. Similarly, travelling confidently also gave me an opportunity to explore but simultaneously learn about safety and security first.
The more I learned, the more I realized how much there still is to know. It was a completely humbling experience, but also one that kept me grounded. I understood that there is always something new that I can be good at or better at. My reflection prompted me that the journey of learning never truly ends, and instead of worrying to figure it all out I was happy to learn that the quest for knowledge is what keeps life exciting and full of possibility.
So, I’ve come to appreciate those words more and more. They remind me that it’s okay if I have not figured out everything yet, that learning is a lifelong pursuit, and that every day and every experience opens a new doors to what’s yet to be discovered. It’s funny how life brings me to the full circle where occasionally when I learn something new, this prayer lines immediately pops in my head and this time I am mindful and contended with those beautiful words.
