When I was close to finishing my engineering degree, I made notes on my enthusiasm for education. Over the years I've edited this numerous times; never felt it was good enough until now to include. But education, its challenges, the inspiration and liberation, and its worth, have stuck with me. I don't think it's possible to overemphasize the value of a sound education. Paraphrasing H. G. Wells slightly, “the future of humanity is fast becoming a race between education and catastrophe.”
Whether from books or teachers,
or through the lamp of experience,
learning challenges and liberates.
Cultivating knowledge inspires our best—
we become steeped in self-esteem,
Among life's greatest rewards during this sojourn
is the sustenance from learning.
It enhances intrinsic capabilities:
is breath for mind, soul, being.
It directs the symphony of self-improvement,
our quest toward self-realization:
Seasons of learning nourish reason and discernment.
Learning encourages self-discovery, guiding
our unfinished present future-ward.
As we cross the dunes of time,
education remains wealth.
Learning, learning until our ebbing days,
we live in an eternal sunrise ... .
