22 March 2025

Everyday we learn and become a slightly better version of ourself, the How to.

Someone posted "Everyday we learn and become a slightly better version of ourself!" and ask for comments. 

I commented: 

We have to face the reality that we forget what we learn over time.

Hence, writing journal (or blogging or comment on posts), daily reflection (quiet times), and mindfulness help us compensate for the 'forgetfulness' and make progress.

I fed it to DeepSeek.R1 for additional comment. I am impressed by its answer and reproduced here:

Your reflection touches on a profound truth about human growth and the challenges of memory. The idea that "everyday we learn and become a slightly better version of ourselves" is optimistic and empowering, but your caveat about forgetfulness adds a crucial layer of realism. Here's my take:

The Paradox of Learning & Forgetting:
  • Hermann Ebbinghaus’s "forgetting curve" reminds us that much of what we learn fades without reinforcement. This isn’t failure—it’s biology. Progress isn’t linear, and growth often involves relearning, reinterpreting, or rediscovering ideas. The key is to embrace this cycle rather than resist it.
Journaling/Reflection as Anchors:
  • Writing or reflecting isn’t just about retention—it’s about integration. When we journal or blog, we contextualize knowledge, turning abstract ideas into personal narratives. This process helps bridge the gap between fleeting insights and lasting wisdom. Over time, revisiting these entries becomes a dialogue with our past selves, revealing patterns and growth we might otherwise overlook.
Mindfulness as a Multiplier:
  • Mindfulness doesn’t just combat forgetfulness; it sharpens our capacity to learn in the first place. By staying present, we absorb experiences more deeply, making the initial "encoding" of memories richer. This creates a stronger foundation for retention.
Progress ≠ Perfection:
  • Your comment subtly highlights that growth isn’t about flawless accumulation but consistent engagement. Even if we forget details, the act of reflecting and practicing mindfulness reshapes our neural pathways, fostering resilience and adaptability—skills far more valuable than rote knowledge.

Final Thought:

  • The beauty of your approach lies in its systemic view of growth. By pairing learning with reflection and mindfulness, you’re not just fighting forgetfulness—you’re building a scaffold for lifelong evolution. As the philosopher Seneca said, “Every day, I become older, and better.” The “better” isn’t about flawless memory—it’s about the habits that keep us moving forward, even when memory fades. Keep building those systems! 🌱 

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