Gaining Knowledge by Listening
by Ron Kurtus (updated 17 December 2022)
An important way to gain knowledge is by listening to what other people say. Listening to teachers or professors lecture is a good example of this. Children especially learn by observation. Watching what others do is an important way to gain knowledge. Adults also need to use this technique.
Questions you may have include:
- What do children observe?
- What problems are there with observations by children?
- What should adults do?
This lesson will answer those questions.
In conversation
In a conversation, many people don't really listen to what the other person is saying. Instead, they are thinking of what they want to say next. Listening is an important skill and a way you can gain information.
When you were a child, you may have listened to stories or things your parents explained. Later, in conversations with friends, you gained knowledge from what they told you.
As an adult, there are many times that listening is a source of knowledge. People that prefer to talk and don't care to listen will often lose out on important information and knowledge.
In school or work
Listening carefully in school or work environments is important in that the information or knowledge gained can be intense.
Besides reading, listening to a teacher or professor lecture on a subject is a major source of knowledge for students. Another source comes from discussions on the subject with other students.
This can also be true at work, where a superior or talented person may provide useful information or instructions.
Radio or TV
We also gain a fair amount of knowledge by listening to people talk on the radio or TV. At the very least, you can get the news. Unfortunately, much of the information gained in comedy shows is either useless or even promotes negative behavior.
Summary
Listening is a powerful way to gain knowledge. You can learn through conversations, in school or work, and through the radio and TV.
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Gaining Knowledge by Listening