English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon is thought to have coined the phrase ‘Knowledge is Power,’ in his 1597 book, Meditationes Sacrae and Human Philosophy. The sentiment may be over four centuries old, but it remains as relevant as ever.
It is almost impossible to be successful in life without knowledge, and in our early life we learn both in the classroom and from our parents.
But a quest for learning should not end on the day we leave school or university. If we want to truly fulfil our potential we should commit to lifelong learning - and that doesn’t only apply to academics.
The United Nations General Assembly dedicates a special day - January 24 - to celebrating education worldwide. It recognizes that education plays a key role in building sustainable and resilient societies, and contributes to solving global issues, such as reducing poverty, creating a sustainable planet, improving health, fostering peace, and mitigating societal issues.
Learning can occur anywhere and everywhere - not just in the classroom – and, with the right commitment, we can endeavor to learn something new every day. Whether it is picking up a book to enhance our knowledge, keeping up-to-date with the news online or via newspapers, speaking to people from different backgrounds to broaden our outlook, or learning a new language - it all amounts to making you more knowledgeable than you were the day before.
Gaining knowledge is essential if we are to progress in our careers, and it also shapes our personalities and helps us in our dealings with others.
With a demanding job, it can be easy to forget about education and learning new skills, but if you want something badly enough you will find the time and energy to do it, and if you commit to enhancing your knowledge it will make you a more rounded individual, who is determined to develop themselves personally and professionally.
During school and university days, one’s educational path is mapped out by teachers and lecturers, but once you become an adult the only person who can drive your thirst for knowledge is you.
Education empowers us, and here at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) we embrace the opportunities that enhanced knowledge provides us with. We are constantly striving to learn more and fulfil our potential in our quest to make a significant, long-lasting impact on society.
We encourage our staff, faculty, researchers and students to think outside of the box in pursuit of excellence. Being a member of HBKU’s diverse community, and Qatar Foundation’s holistic ecosystem, allows us to be part of a much larger knowledge network. Community members have countless opportunities to enroll in online learning, attend workshops, seminars, lectures and conferences across Education City - at HBKU and other partner institutions.
Knowledge is at your disposal and within your reach - and it goes well beyond the confines of a classroom. Therefore, do not limit yourselves, do not set barriers, and always strive to enhance your knowledge. By doing so, you will open up new doors in your career.
Taking a step forward and educating yourself means you become curious about the world, and stop waiting for someone to hand it to you. Education is the beacon of change and the driving force for global development - the more you know, the more empowered you become to make a difference in our world today.
So don’t delay - pick up that book, enroll on that course, start conversing with people you can learn from, and take that first step toward becoming a better and more successful version of yourself.