RELENTLESS STUDY : THE REMARKABLE EXAMPLE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT

“There cannot be mental atrophy in any person who continues to observe, to remember what he observes, and to seek answers for his unceasing hows and whys about things.”— Alexander Graham Bell

On January 6 1919, the United States President, Theodore Roosevelt, died in his sleep at his Long Island Estate, Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay, New York.

The remarkable thing that made him the focus of this article is that right under his pillow was a book he was reading. He was unrelenting in his studies to the point of death.

He was studying and consuming all the knowledge he could, until the very last, despite the fact that he was suffering from coronary embolism. 

For Roosevelt, this was not a random occurrence, this was a firmly fixed idea in his subconscious mind; this was a lifelong habit.

His was a great example of a great man, who not only encouraged others to study through words and lectures, but he demonstrated that admirable virtue constantly in his life — till his final breadth. If that’s not remarkable, what else can be? 

Evidently, he thoroughly understood — far more than many — the imperative need for us as humans to continuously acquire new and better information, and applying it judiciously to make the world a better place for all.

And that, this need is not just a necessity while we are struggling to rise; it is as important when we are at the top of the rung — perhaps, even more important over there.

It is a cliché that readers are leaders. But, I used to think that refers to individuals who find enrolment in the universities, colleges, and other educational institutes — the professors, the scholars and “the professionals.”

Now, I know better. The thing about learning, true learning, is that, — as demonstrated by Roosevelt — it is not in any way, limited to the classrooms.

Studying to learn is a lifelong process. That’s the clear message, the great inventor; Alexander Graham Bell was passing across in that pithy maxim up there. No matter how old you are, life cannot be boring to you; if you possess an inquisitive mind.

So, I dare to ask:

What lessons can we learn from the example of such a relentless student of life?

What can we imbibe from the life of a man who could easily rest on his laurels but didn’t?

What change can we make in our approach to study, no matter how high we climb?

The collective experience of the ages counsels us that:

We must make learning a habit in our day to day living. 

Every day we must consciously strive to acquire knowledge that can make our tomorrow better. That’s why Abraham Lincoln said he wouldn’t think much of a man, who is not wiser today, than he was yesterday. The only way not to be such a man is to make learning a daily habit.

Lifelong learning has to be one of our creeds if we desire to make a meaningful contribution in our industry, and to our world.It is a duty not just a wish for anyone who earnestly desires progress in this brave new world of information and knowledge. 

This is the main philosophy of the self-leadership thinker of the 20^th century; Peter Drucker and I quote his words below:

“We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.” 

WE MUST DECIDE

Who can rightfully teach us to consciously learn until death, better than ourselves?

The choice and the challenge are ours and ours alone as Isaac Asimov did believe. He said:

“Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is.”

Since true learning happens not by chance but by choice. Then, it must start with a decision on our part. And the decision must be sustained with enthusiasm and regular practice, come what may.

It’s impossible not to advance with this level of commitment to study and learning. No wonder Theodore Roosevelt, the sickly, puny kid became not just a President but one of the best five Presidents of United States.

STUDY EVERYTHING YOU CAN

According to Martin Fisher, the entire world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind. It doesn’t matter whether you are in the classroom; or in the competitive world of business; or at the forefront of politics; the entire world is a laboratory to you — if you have an inquiring mind.

This is the attitude of scholarship. This is the force for relentless study. This is the mindset that will lead us to our best; at work, at home and to the world. 

Just like, Roosevelt, this is the pull that will delightfully make us study for our progress and the advancement of humanity — ceaselessly until we are deceased.