After many years of formal schooling (K-12 and college) and experience as a one-on-one tutor, I felt inspired to share some reflections on the benefits and limitations of academic learning. By "academic learning", I mean the study of specific information from books and lectures, the internalization of that information, and the re-iteration of that information on quizzes and tests.

Here is a summary of some benefits of this kind of learning based on my experience, as well as limitations that I believe should be realized in order to discover deeper meaning and come closer to realizing one's potential. These benefits and limitations are not exhaustive, but they can prove helpful nonetheless:

Benefits

1. Information Processing - We learn to deal with large quantities of information and hone in on important facts.

2. Logical Thinking - We gain the ability to connect ideas in a linear/logical sequence based on cause and effect or if-then reasoning.

3. Discipline - We learn to discipline ourselves and focus on a topic for a long period of time until we learn as much as we think we should or want to.

Limitations

1. Creative Expression - Seeking to internalize and re-iterate specific information leaves little time for creative thought and expression, and creativity is an essential aspect of staying inspired and living a meaningful life.

2. Personal Relevance - A heavy emphasis on theory tends to not connect to us or inspire us on a personal level based on our life circumstances. Topics that are more relevant to us personally will tend to be more engaging, and so their study provides us more benefit.

3. Interconnectedness of Subjects - With our learning divided amongst specific courses for so long, we can lose touch with how different subjects are different aspects of life- which is very much interconnected. The ability to break down unnecessary divisions seems essential for growth.

4. First-hand Observation - Too much reading for specific information de-emphasizes the value of making our own observations of how things work and following our curiosity. There is nothing wrong with reading or hearing others' interpretations of events and phenomena, but making observations first-hand and asking relevant questions is very important as well.