Editorial November 9, 1992 Issue

Our freedom to learn

Russ Gerber

A friend of mine is fond of saying that sometimes you don't know what you don't know! He also feels strongly that you have to allow yourself, and others, the freedom to learn.

Perhaps we're just starting a new job. Everyone naturally assumes that "the new person" needs time to get used to the way things are done. We've all been there and know how important patience and encouragement can be in that sometimes awkward period of becoming familiar with different tasks and a new routine.

Then again it might be an entirely different culture that we're having to explore and understand for the first time. Allowing yourself, or someone else, the freedom to learn other traditions or a new language can mean so much. What has always been commonplace and acceptable to one person may seem very strange or intimidating to another. What a perfect opportunity to practice the "Golden Rule"! After all, who of us, being far from familiar surroundings, wouldn't deeply appreciate the care and support of others as we learn a different lifestyle?

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