I’m a strong advocate for continuous learning, that we should keep learning our entire lives. A key component of this viewpoint is our exposure to learning, particularly when we are young. Timing matters. Someone who makes a habit of learning when they’re eight years old will have a much different trajectory in life than someone who starts at thirty. When we are exposed to new ideas and concepts we are forced to think critically. It requires us to do an inventory of new information, analyze and prioritize that information, and then make a conscientious best-decision. This goes beyond academia—it makes us better citizens. Exposure and openness are prerequisites to life-long learning, and championing those values leads to a healthier, smarter, more robust society. They say the only constant in life is change. Therefore to live, and thrive, is to adapt. Why would we ever stop learning?