"I can always make myself better."

I can always make myself better.

[From my 10 year old daughter's flute teacher, who is truly a master.]

This struck me profoundly, coming from a woman in her 50's who has clearly mastered many instruments. What an important thing to teach! This goes to the heart of Think, Try, Learn - how we can always learn more, in spite of our circumstances.

Question: What teachers have inspired you, and how? The most recent gift I've received is inspiration and advice from Peter Elbow (I'm trying his idea of freewriting here on Edison).

Comments

[Marc Azada]

Having the heart to do things is what matters most specially when it comes to learning how to use different instruments for music. It is amazing to even know that until now there are still people with this kind of passion in them.

[Matthew Cornell]

Agreed, Marc. Maybe I'm just getting old, but instant gratification doesn't match with things requiring mastery only over time with lots of work, like learning an instrument. I see that in our 11 yo daughter, and we work to instill a positive work ethic. I think this goes to the idea that many of my peers, esp. those in higher ed, that there's an unhealthy entitlement attitude in young adults that's at odds with a strong work ethic. Here are a few interesting posts on it:

How 'entitlement attitudes' harm America - http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92966

You Are Not Entitled - http://www.pattishomepage.com/read/entitled.htm