How we learn, freedom and self-realisation

Brewing Knowledge Friday - July 4th 2025

We discussed brain structure, function, and learning processes and read about freedom and self-realisation.

Key Takeaways

• The human brain has evolved over millions of years, with specialised modules for different functions

• Neural plasticity allows humans to learn non-innate skills through explicit instruction and practice

• Schools are designed for teaching "secondary abilities" or non-innate skills, but learning can be made more meaningful and enjoyable.

• The story of the Merchant and Parrot illustrates how attachment to talents/comforts can be a form of imprisonment

Topics

Brain Structure and Function

• The brain consists of ~100 billion neurons that transmit information via electrochemical reactions

• Different brain regions specialise in functions such as visual processing, language, and memory.

• The Hippocampus plays a crucial role in forming new memories and exhibits adult neurogenesis

• No single "control center" exists; brain uses parallel distributed processing

Evolution and Learning

• Human brains evolved for hunter-gatherer challenges but now face modern environments

• "Folk" knowledge in physics, biology, and psychology develops naturally in children

• Humans have a unique ability to learn non-innate skills and pass knowledge across generations

• Neural plasticity allows for learning a wide range of skills not evolved for (e.g. reading, math)

Implications for Education

• Schools teach "biological secondary abilities" requiring explicit instruction

• Current educational approaches are often painful/unsuccessful for many students

• Opportunity exists to tailor teaching methods to brain function and child development

• The goal should be to make learning more meaningful and enjoyable

Merchant and Parrot Story

• Parrot in captivity sends a message to free parrots via merchant

• Free parrot feigns death upon hearing message

• Captive parrot mimics this to gain freedom from its cage

• Moral: Attachment to talents/comforts can be a form of self-imposed captivity

Next Steps

• Participants to reflect on brain function and learning concepts discussed

• Read more from the suggested resources if interested

• The next session on July 11th will cover Chapter 2: "How Learning Happens"

• Manisha to frame and share reflection questions in the WhatsApp group

• Recording and notes to be available on www.happyteacher.in within 24 hours

Unity and Caring - Rectifier BHIS

Unity and Caring –Unity is the strength
Caring for someone is easy, but to make someone care for you is difficult, so never lose the one who really cares for you.

Pavo, the baby cuckoo, chirped noisily as he tried to take flights in the air. His father sat with his grandfather, having a hot conversation. Pavo’s father said, ‘Day by day, the tree is becoming empty with the birds either leaving it to find shelter somewhere else or getting killed by the monstrous beings’.

Pavo’s mother said in despair, ‘Every day, one of us is killed. I am worried about what will become of us.’ The father said, ‘If we don’t do something, there will come a day when none of us will remain. These monsters have guns to easily shoot us and we all will die instantly.’ Pavo’s grandfather replied, ‘You’re right son. We’ll try to talk to the others tomorrow with the hope that they will listen to us for once.’

It was a big apple tree on which a great diversity of birds lived, but they had no unity among themselves. They were hence divided into two groups. One consisted of Pavo’s family and two families of crows, and the other families belonged to the second group who immediately rejected the ideas of the grandfather.

The next day, at the meeting, the grandfather said, ‘We will attack at the hunters together, each with a stone in their beak so that they won’t get a chance to fire at us.’ The idea was rejected by Mrs Aggy, the eagle, who said, ‘No, thank you. This is not a contest of courage.’

Pavo’s grandfather smiled. ‘But what you are implying by refusing to join us, isn’t it cowardice? When the tree- your home needs you, you are turning your back.’ Mrs Aggy then stood up, turned and flew away.

The next morning, when the hunters came, the feeble efforts of Pavo’s small group proved to be futile in the beginning. But when the birds in the neighbouring trees saw more of their fellows falling dead, they realised they couldn’t take it any longer. It was then when Mrs Aggy, Mr Woody and all the other families joined the attack. The sky became crowded with the countless birds dropping pebbles on their human enemies. Where divided they had been falling, united they had risen with mighty strength and finally achieved victory.

Mr Woody spoke, ‘Please Mr Crook, I feel guilty for what I said earlier.’

If we just stop and think for a moment, we will realise that our country is facing the same situation as people are divided into various factions. We must stand united as one nation and must step up just like the birds who saved their homes. We have to get together just like the little creatures did.

The Almighty has given us hands that are our greatest boon. For the needs us to lend a helping hand; a hand for holding, extending a hand for friendship, handsome is what handsome does, a hand-full of love, care, so on and so forth. Let's look at our hands to spread joy, care, love and unity in the days to come. 

Rectifier @ Billabong High International School, Thane
- Pallavi Harkare, Prerna Khanna, Rajeshri Mohite, Mahalaskshmi Iyer, Priyanka Iyer, Kalpana Dodia