Uniquely Human

Why Self Directed Learning?. That is what we are here to find out. According to the Global Innovation Index in 2022  The United States scores among the best in the world on 15 of the 81 Global Innovation Index 2022 innovation indicators, including global corporate R&D investors, venture capital investors, the quality of its universities, the quality and impact of its scientific publications, and the value of corporate Intangible asset intensity.

What Defines a Self-Directed Learner?

Our thesis suggests that self-directed learners possess key traits such as curiosity, creativity, tenacity, non-linear thinking, and intelligence. These qualities are vital for driving disruption—bringing about transformative change across fields like technology, business, and society. Equally important are the skill sets and environments that encourage and nurture self-directed learning. By fostering these traits and creating supportive environments, individuals and organizations can challenge established norms and cultivate innovative ideas. Embracing this mindset enables both personal growth and significant, positive transformations in various domains.

Curiosity: Being curious enables individuals to ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge existing norms. It drives the desire to seek new knowledge and understand different perspectives, which can lead to innovative solutions.

Creativity: Creative thinking involves generating novel ideas, approaching problems from different angles, and thinking outside the box. It allows individuals to envision new possibilities and come up with unconventional solutions.

Tenacity: Disruption often requires perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. Tenacious individuals possess the determination and drive to overcome obstacles and push forward despite adversity.

Non-linear thinking: Linear thinking follows a logical, sequential path, while non-linear thinking involves making unexpected connections and embracing unconventional approaches. Non-linear thinkers are more likely to identify disruptive opportunities and challenge traditional assumptions. Intelligence: Intelligence, in this context, refers to cognitive abilities such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. A high level of intelligence can facilitate the exploration and understanding of complex concepts, leading to innovative breakthroughs.

Furthermore, the thesis acknowledges the significance of skill sets and environments that foster self-directed learning:

Skill sets: Disruptive individuals often possess diverse skill sets that allow them to bridge gaps between different domains and apply knowledge from one field to another. These skills can include technical expertise, communication skills, and a willingness to continuously learn and acquire new knowledge. Environments for self-directed learning: Creating an environment that supports self-directed learning is crucial for fostering disruption. This includes access to resources, mentors, and communities that encourage exploration, experimentation, and continuous learning. Such environments provide the freedom and autonomy necessary for individuals to pursue their own learning goals and drive innovative ideas.

In summary, your thesis highlights the importance of traits like curiosity, creativity, tenacity, non-linear thinking, and intelligence, as well as the significance of skill sets and environments that facilitate self-directed learning, in driving disruption. By embracing these elements, individuals and organizations can cultivate an environment that encourages and nurtures disruptive thinking, ultimately leading to transformative change.

Topics to Ponder

1-Our current academic system rewards didactic, learning, and regurgitation. Only at PhdD levels are we asked to come up with a thesis and work to defend it?. Most people never get here and as result we only commercialize 5% of all patents that are created. Why are encouraged to maintain the status quo?

2-As artificial intelligence and the artificial general intelligence becomes increasingly more efficient at linear thinking, what are we doing to prepare the next generation for the careers that don’t exist today?