The Way of Learning: Practice

“It is not good to settle into a set of opinions. It is a mistake to put forth effort and obtain some understanding and then stop at that. At first putting forth great effort to be sure that you have grasped the bastes, then practicing so that they may come to fruition is something that will never stop for your whole lifetime”

Hagakure, Kindle ed. 1600

I learned this as an undergrad, forgot it, then remembered again in law school. It is one thing to read and memorize--one can get by in classes with decent grades using this method. But mastery comes from practicing problems. The Way of getting A’s in math classes: one must do the problems, must make the mistakes and see where one’s faults are. Only through doing will what you learn absorb into your fiber. Once the knowledge is in your fiber, you know it, and are well on the way to mastering it.

How To Learn Anything

“. . . . even a poor penman will become substantial in the art of calligraphy if he studies by imitating a good model and puts forth effort”

Hagakure, Kindle ed. 1661

This is a good example of applying the Way of all things to the goals one pursues. No matter what skills one desires to master, one can become very skillful by adopting a mentor and practicing hard.

In law school and legal practice, who is my mentor? Who’s model do I follow? Find a model and add hard work.