December 7, 2015 | 1 Comment What is the relationship between a knower and learner and which am I? Knower vs Learner – At first I believed I was both a knower and a learner but when I understood the essence of this question I decided to be the learner. This principle is one of many in a series of principles taught by Marshall Thurber. Knower vs Learner Observations Knowers see learning as a destination; learners see it as a journey Knowers seek certainty; learners seek plausibility Knowers base their self esteem on being right; learners base theirs on contribution Knowers can’t be wrong, so if they make a mistake they find someone or something else to blame; learners can make mistakes, admit they don’t have all the answers, and continue to be part of the solution Knowers will gather evidence to prove their theory is correct; learners will replace old theories with new Knowers see their truth as the only truth; learners are open to others’ views Knowers find it difficult to adapt to change, and become weaker, less effective, and less influential over time; learners, who more readily adapt, become stronger, more effective, and more influential Knowers are closed; learners are open Notable Quotes “The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.” – William Blake “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.” – Stephen Hawking “We are by nature observers, and thereby learners. That is our permanent state.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson “In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” – Eric Hoffer