Student.
This is the term I like the best. "Student" is a wonderful, all-inclusive sort of term that invites everyone to take part, and learn about something.
I sure never thought of it that way when I was in school. I guess most folks don't at that time. But no matter. I think of it that way now.
But use the term "student" on someone who prefers "avocational historian," and you might just witness a first class kanipchin fit. They seem to hate it as much as "buff," which is saying something.
Why? From what I've been told by defenders of the faith, being called a "student" basically implies that you are little more than an ignorant amateur. That you don't really know anything about the subject, and generally speaking, you're just sort of dumb. Otherwise - low whisper here - you'd probably have things figured out by now.
Nonsense.
What we know about something at the present time has no bearing on our ability to learn. And pales beside our desire to learn. And if you have the desire, I guarantee, you have the ability. It's in the rules.
As for "student" relegating a person to the ignorance heap, do me a favor - look up the word "student" in the dictionary. See where it talks about being ignorant? See where it says to be a student is to be lacking the ability to learn and understand? See where it says to be a student is to be a lower form of life? Neither do I.
How is the word defined in a dictionary? "A person who studies, or investigates." "One who is devoted to learning." "Any person who studies, investigates, or examines thoughtfully." "A person who studies or observes something carefully or in depth."
That's part of what some well-respected dictionaries say about being a student. Nothing in any of them about amateurs or ignorance. Not even a hint. Studying. Learning. Seeking knowledge. And seeking an understanding of that knowledge. That's how you define "student."
That's what being a student is all about - seeking knowledge and understanding. That's my favorite definition of all for the word 'student.'
Describe someone who doesn't meet this definition. I will bet my terribly small bank account that it can't be done.
Professional historian?
A seeker of knowledge and understanding.
Someone opening a history book for the first time?
A seeker of knowledge and understanding.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Perry Cuskey's U.S. Civil War topic, please visit the Discussions page.