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Username3000
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Greetings,
I am seeking some wisdom, advice, etc. in the area of furthering one's education at home, in a purely informal manner. I have no intentions of entering into the scholarly world; any studies I undertake are purely by my own volition, and hopefully will benefit not only myself, but my family and church as well.
I am 27 years old, married (17 months), and without children as of yet. My early twenties were spent in both blue-collar work, as well as a couple years of university. The path of university did not work out for me--not because of inability, but because of God's providential dealings--and therefore I have continued down the blue-collar route. What I am trying to say is that, while I am by no means a well-educated man, I am not a total stranger to the world of books and learning. Indeed, reading is one of my favourite activities to this day.
This passion for reading, and a deep desire to learn, have been growing in me over the last several years, but alas, without a rudder the ship cannot reach its course. I know that I want to learn 'things,' but deciding exactly what to pursue, and how to pursue it, is where I need help.
Recently, I have been reading Mortimer J. Adler's How to Read a Book, and it has convinced me that I would benefit most by learning how to read better before I do anything else. I consider myself a 'good' reader, but certainly not good enough to tackle the vaguely defined mountain before me.
What questions should I ask myself as I move forward? In light of eternity and my short lifespan, what is actually worth pursuing, and what is merely tickling my fancy? Is Greek history worth the time for a man like myself? Is poetry? Should I stick with Christian authors? Should I focus on a wide variety so as to be able to better teach children one day? Is a deep, narrower focus more profitable for a part-time scholar? etc. etc. etc.
I am interested most in theology and history, with things such as Shakespeare, poetry, and old fiction also being of some interest.
I know that a simple "Do this:" answer is not possible, but I would very much appreciate any advice.
Thank you.
I am seeking some wisdom, advice, etc. in the area of furthering one's education at home, in a purely informal manner. I have no intentions of entering into the scholarly world; any studies I undertake are purely by my own volition, and hopefully will benefit not only myself, but my family and church as well.
I am 27 years old, married (17 months), and without children as of yet. My early twenties were spent in both blue-collar work, as well as a couple years of university. The path of university did not work out for me--not because of inability, but because of God's providential dealings--and therefore I have continued down the blue-collar route. What I am trying to say is that, while I am by no means a well-educated man, I am not a total stranger to the world of books and learning. Indeed, reading is one of my favourite activities to this day.
This passion for reading, and a deep desire to learn, have been growing in me over the last several years, but alas, without a rudder the ship cannot reach its course. I know that I want to learn 'things,' but deciding exactly what to pursue, and how to pursue it, is where I need help.
Recently, I have been reading Mortimer J. Adler's How to Read a Book, and it has convinced me that I would benefit most by learning how to read better before I do anything else. I consider myself a 'good' reader, but certainly not good enough to tackle the vaguely defined mountain before me.
What questions should I ask myself as I move forward? In light of eternity and my short lifespan, what is actually worth pursuing, and what is merely tickling my fancy? Is Greek history worth the time for a man like myself? Is poetry? Should I stick with Christian authors? Should I focus on a wide variety so as to be able to better teach children one day? Is a deep, narrower focus more profitable for a part-time scholar? etc. etc. etc.
I am interested most in theology and history, with things such as Shakespeare, poetry, and old fiction also being of some interest.
I know that a simple "Do this:" answer is not possible, but I would very much appreciate any advice.
Thank you.
