Conference hydra::dejavu

    
    As has been my own experience, the best teacher is also the best
    student.
    
    Humility is also involved.
    
    Cindy

    
    
    If one can learn from an Idiot, one is a Student.
    
    Who needs a Master?
    
    
    
    L.

    
    
    One can always learn something new from what one is not.
    
    
    alison
    

    	I have found that those people who've been important and obvious
    	teachers in my life have abruptly left my life when, apparently, 
    	I've learned what I was supposed to from them.  It usually isn't
    	a pleasant experience for me ... the exit, I mean.
    
    	But after it happens, I feel more freedom than when I was "with"
    	them in whatever capacity I knew them, which has mostly been in
    	a very blatant teacher-student role.  Consequently, the opposite
    	has been true as well.  When a student of mine is ready for his/
    	her freedom, something generally happens to quickly remove them
    	from my physical presence.  (That sounds ominous but isn't meant
    	that way.)
    
    							   Carla
    

There's teaching and teaching.... If you go to a specific school or class with
clear-cut educational goals, then both student and teacher can check whether
these goals are met. This means that the teacher has to show what educational
path he will follow, so that the student will be able to do the checking. The
student can correct the teacher; the teacher the student. There's generally a
more one way communication from teacher to student; the teacher is more in a
"push-style".

I have the impression that Carla is talking more about "the school of life". In
this "school", there are no clear educational goals. The only way to proceed
is.... just to proceed. There's generally a more two way communication; the
teacher is more in a "pull-style". Both student and teacher can feel at some
moment that it is of no further use to proceed together. Then just say goodbye,
difficult as it may be.

Choosing such a teacher is a different matter.
Or should I say: "Recognizing a teacher?".

Arie

    I must say that I agree with Arie in that no teacher should simply
    be push or pull.  Past the initial basics of reading, writing and
    arithmatic, no great benefit emerges from a teacher attempting to
    cram information into you or simply extract it from  you.
    Rote/memorization generally doesn't constitute learning with me.
     Most anyone can be a mimic.
    
    Throughout the course of my life the best teachers I've had are
    those who got ME TO THINK.  Not memorize and regurgitate - but think
    on my own.  I've always found it an interesting and unforgettable
    distinction.
    
    The most difficult question to answer at most any point in time
    to any statement/question/belief is Why?  I believe the ultimate
    student/learner is not afraid of the Whys and not afraid to think
    for themselves.  We have all run across people who are afraid or
    so uncomfortable with `extending' a thought/answer/theorem that
    they will simply stop.  No more discussion on the topic.  These
    are the people who no longer are students or learners because they've
    shut themselves away.
    
    The others though, the self-thinkers, become both students and
    teachers.  They are always open to opinions and new realizations
    through others.  Yet they can also pass this on. 

    For me, the best case in point is myself.  I probably wouldn't be who I am
    today - free thinking, open minded, curious, self-thinking - 
    without the influence of a great teacher.  Ironically, a professor of
    mine, and friend.  He made me think for myself and realize that
    it was ok to be me.  Self realization doesn't come easy...  Strength
    of mind and character can't be learned from someone else, it has
    to be learned from yourself.
    
    My hope is that I may be able to pass that on someday.  To help someone
    else realize themself.
    
    --  Tracy
    
    P.S. -  Great topic Bruce!