December 4, 1998
The Spark of Learning
Have you ever seen a person struggling with an idea or concept? Their eye twitches, and they often squirm in their seat, searching for the non-existent comfort zone. Perhaps they hope to align themselves with the forces of nature and thus aid their quest for the elusive knowledge.
But if the person gets the idea, masters the subject. Joy is not the word to describe it. I would call it a fever. This is victory, perhaps of the highest form. The student relishes their conquest and thirst for more. Their back arches up stiffer, military posture, ready to charge again at another problem. We humans are interesting: failure makes us charge back at a challenge and victory enhances our fighting vigor.
Imagine watching this gambit played every day before your eyes. Is it no wonder that teachers enjoy their jobs so?