I particularly agree with AMManess’s quote “People are quick to state the current media buzz word without thinking about what they are saying.” Anyone who listens to TV “news” for anything is, at best, ill informed. Nothing is so simple a 2 minute news story can do it justice. But really learning the issues of the day takes time and access to the right resources. Things in very short supply these days. I don’t have the answer but it is something that needs addressing.

Also the quote “Learning is often viewed as “nerdy” or “not manly…” makes me wonder if men are more concerned with appearance than substance? I’m of the age where appearing “nerdy” or “not manly” really makes no difference to me at all (it’s called maturity). My children are exceptional students, and my boys are good athletes as well. I read around them all the time and have since they were small. Children need positive role models and I’d prefer it be me versus some illiterate rapper who is viewed as “cool” or “hip.”

I find in my line of work (attorney), many colleagues think once school is over, they don’t have to study or learn their trade. Too many hours spent explaining certain areas of law when they should spend time learning what they need to know. Those that do not study shoot from the hip on generalities and shoot themselves when confronted with someone that knows the law. The best attorneys study all the time. Knowledge through study is a tool par excellent.

Moreover, in an era of talking heads and “experts” on everything, people do not spend time studying. This is particularly true about the economy or international events. People are quick to state the current media buzz word without thinking about what they are saying. They do not study to develop a critical eye to analyze information being transmitted through the various media channels.

As Robert E. Lee stated, “The education of a man is never completed until he dies.”

@Wayne – I took a class on the history of science. That’s where I was first introduced to the writings of Frances Bacon. I also second the Nichomachean Ethics. Very good stuff.

@John Michael Cannon – Mr. Sanders is correct. Leaders are readers. Good for you for passing along books that have impacted you. Finally, thanks for the kind words.

Wayne