Re: Proper Rate of Learning LO1397

jack@his.com
Sat, 27 May 95 12:04:05

Subject: Re: Proper Rate of Learning LO1367

Replying to Mike McMaster, Robert Levi wrote:

"This is a very interesting point. The concept of "learning, and being
paid for it" is almost antithetical to the current work ethic, let alone
the competitive marketplace. The marketplace does pay for "expertise," but
rarely for the learning needed to get there."

When I speak of compensation for learning, I try to keep in mind
distinctions learned from Senge between intrinsic and extrinsic values as
drivers for my behavior. Learning is so rewarding in and of itself -
especially to those who pursue it consciously - that economic compensation
recedes in importance. In my experience, many deliberate learners hold
visions that "subsume" (if I may steal a term from John Warfield) social
values which include sharing of their learnings.

Nevertheless, in my own life I have found failure to document my learning
through some sort of institution (university degrees, for example) to act
as a limiter on my earning power in some important situations. I conclude
from this that some people peddle documentation (irrespective of actual
expertise) as a way to extract more from the "marketplace", and that there
are "buyers" who think they are paying for learning...

--
Jack Hirschfeld        Can analysis be worthwhile? Is the theatre really dead?
jack@his.com