If knowledge is power, then it takes time and effort to acquire
It’s time to dip back into the superhero metaphors!
Let’s take a look at one of the most popular superheros of all time: Spider Man! When you think of him, what comes to mind? Do not worry, I will not bring up the “with great power comes great responsibility” trope. I think of him for his agility, super strength, spider sense, occasionally running his mouth, and his ability to swing around New York to fight crime. But Spider Man wasn’t always this way: Peter Parker, his alter ego, was a brainy high school student who was bit by a radioactive spider and suddenly acquired his superpowers. Once he had them, these took time to get used to and to develop. At first, he collected scrapes and bruises when attempting to leap atop of buildings. He made mistakes along the way, trying to use his abilities too fast and for the wrong reasons. It took time to master his power and discipline to use it the right way and for the right reasons.
Much of this can be also be applied to the pursuit of knowledge. Perhaps this cannot be acquired quite the same way (although that might have saved me a few years!), but the fact remains that once you have gained knowledge, it is important to take the time to properly hone it and develop before you can use it. And of course, it is crucial to recognize when and how to use it.
Like Spider Man, let us try to do some good with what we have and do our part to make the world a better place. And maybe crack a joke or two along the way.
To explore what “superpowers” I have acquired throughout my education and professional life, take a look at the following sections: