LEARNING TO UNLEARN

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot Learn, Unlearn and Relearn. - Alwin Toffler

This quote by Mr. Toffler rings true in so many ways, especially in today's world, where innovation, a technique, or a discovery happens almost every day. Many would say, "Yes, learning is important. But what do you mean by unlearning? and Why is that important?" I think unlearning is one of the vital skills for an individual to possess. The skill to unlearn allows individuals to be adaptable and ready to acquire and absorb new information even if it contradicts what they have learned before. 

To give you an example, take an individual born and brought up in India, lived there for 25 years, learned to drive a car with their father, passed his test got their license. As it turns out, they are fantastic a driver and enjoy long drives. A year or two later, the individual goes to the US for a job opportunity. The company offers them a house and a car. But wait, in the United States, it's Right Hand Traffic, meaning the driver sits on the left and the roundabouts are anti-clockwise, unlike in India, where it is the opposite. Now, if the individual cannot adapt to this change, they may not be able to drive for as long as they live in the US. Also, they may find driving difficult, even after returning to India, due to a lack of practice. Instead, if the individual understands that at this point to progress, they may have to unlearn a few things, they will be able to enjoy their long drives, irrespective of the country of their residence.

Unlearning allows for the potential to grow and evolve with the times. And, if need be, even relearn. Acquiring knowledge is not the hard part. According to me, the hard part is accepting the fact that our knowledge is outdated and being willing to accept and adapt to the change.

Nasir Shaikh | Group Chief Executive Officer - The Lexicon Group of Institutes, MultiFit and EduCrack.

Nasir is a Leadership and Conflict Coach with a PCC accreditation certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a World Mediation Organization Delegate, TEDx Speaker, Passion Catalyst, and Trainer. As an avid Golfer and Fitness enthusiast, Nasir enjoys the challenge and learning from both activities and ensures he dedicates time to them.