Abstract:

Lifelong learning can be defined as education that lacks a defined endpoint, is self-governed, and sustained across multiple years.

Our modern era provides lifelong learners with free access to virtually unlimited information as well as learning platforms designed with scientifically proven learning methods. Technological abundance solves many problems for modern learners.

However, there are pitfalls associated with lifelong learning because the human nervous system is an ancient structure that did not evolve under the conditions of the modern world. Our legacy cognitive structure is riddled with biases, blind spots, antiquated heuristics, and irrationality.

Self-authoring of the human mind via lifelong learning is not a new challenge. Much of philosophy, from Socrates to Kant, is aimed at understanding our mental landscape. However, relatively new disciplines are further clarifying the nature of mind at a dizzying pace. Evolutionary psychology, neurology, and computer science are converging to shine significant light on our cognitive makeup. Insights from these fields can now be combined with older philosophies to increase the odds of success for any lifelong learner.

A successful lifelong learner must be aware of the limitations of the human mind and assemble a psychological toolkit that can mitigate and/or exploit nature’s design.

In my presentation, I will discuss common psychological impediments to lifelong learning. For each impediment, I will address the underlying cognitive mechanisms that cause these problems as well as tactics for overcoming them. I will also share how these tactics can be assembled into a psychological toolkit that lifelong learners can apply to any skill or knowledgebase they wish to acquire.

Keywords:

Lifelong learning, evolutionary psychology, neurology, philosophy, career development.