The Essence of All

The Essence of All

Janpha Thadphoothon

I am sure you would agree with me that the search for meaning is a fundamental human pursuit. We constantly ask "why?" and "what is the point?" It is in these questions that we seek the essence of things. Recently, in my English class, we delved into the adjective "essential." It sparked a profound reflection on the core of existence, a journey that led me back to a phrase I encountered long ago, a phrase that resonates deeply: "Esse est Deus."

Gemini-generated image prompted by Janpha Thadphoothon

As we know, "Esse" in Latin translates to "being," and "Deus" to "God." They say this phrase encapsulates the idea that being itself is God. I am not a Christian, but I have lived amongst many, and I must admit that the sheer weight of this concept is undeniable. It is well known that many philosophical and theological traditions explore the nature of being and its connection to the divine. And, I must admit that, even though I am not religious, I find myself drawn to the concept of Esse est Deus.

I remember a small café in Canberra, Australia, called "Essen." Those were the days when everything was simple, but even then, the name struck me as significant. Little did I know how profound its meaning truly was. It was a place where I enjoyed coffee, a simple pleasure. But perhaps, even in that simple act, there was a glimpse of the essence of being.

In my class, I asked my students to contemplate the essence of anything at all. One student, in a moment of practical insight, said the purpose of getting rice is to attain happiness. I then asked, "What is the essence or the point of happiness?" The question hung in the air, a silent challenge. Then, another student ventured, "The essence of being alive is to maintain the continuity of the human species." This brought us to a deeper, more challenging question: Based on the doctrine of Esse, what is the essence of continuing the human species?

The ultimate answer is not easy to arrive at. I guess it is in that very difficulty that the essence lies. I somehow think that the essence of all things is the apex of all living things. That's why generations after generations ask us to ponder upon the thesis of Esse est Deus. Let me introduce you to the notion of a continuous, interconnected web of existence, where each element, from the smallest grain of rice to the vastness of the universe, plays a role in the grand narrative of "being."

Some argue for the idea that the essence of life is simply survival, a biological imperative. Some argue against this, asserting that there must be a higher purpose, a deeper meaning. Experts say that the human brain is wired to seek patterns and meaning, to find connections between seemingly disparate elements. I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that this innate drive is what fuels our philosophical and spiritual inquiries.

In my opinion, the student who suggested the continuation of the human species touched upon a vital aspect of existence. However challenging, I determine to make it clear that simply perpetuating our species is not the final answer. We must ask: why continue? What is the purpose of this continuation? I'd like to entertain you with the idea that the essence lies in the unfolding of potential, in the exploration of consciousness, in the pursuit of understanding.

I know you would agree with me that the concept of "essence" is inherently subjective. It is shaped by our experiences, our beliefs, and our perspectives. My gut tells me that the essence of all things is not a static, definable entity, but rather a dynamic, evolving process. It is the continuous unfolding of being, the endless dance of existence.

I am not sure but, perhaps, the essence of all things is not something we can grasp with our minds, but rather something we experience with our hearts. It is the feeling of connection, the sense of wonder, the awe we feel when we gaze at the stars or hold a newborn baby.

Nevertheless, it is my long-held belief that (though I could be wrong) the search for essence is a journey, not a destination. It is the act of questioning, of pondering, of seeking that brings us closer to understanding. Fundamentally, I would argue that the essence of all things is the interconnectedness of all beings. It is the realization that we are all part of a larger whole, a vast and intricate tapestry of existence.

Having said that, I realize that this is a deeply personal interpretation. No one knows everything, but I would like to share my perspective. I like the idea of embracing the mystery, of accepting that some questions may never be fully answered. It is in this acceptance that we find peace, a sense of belonging in the vastness of the universe.

My conviction is that the essence of all things is not something we find, but something we create. It is the meaning we give to our lives, the values we uphold, the connections we forge. It is the legacy we leave behind, the impact we have on the world.

I could be wrong, but I somehow think it is in the simple moments that we find the essence of being. A shared laugh, a kind word, a moment of silence in nature. These are the threads that weave the tapestry of existence.

People say that the search for meaning is a uniquely human endeavor. But I wonder if all living things, in their own way, are also seeking the essence of their existence. The bird building its nest, the tree reaching for the sun, the river flowing to the sea—each is playing its part in the grand symphony of being.

As we continue our journey, let us remember the words of "Esse est Deus." Let us embrace the mystery of being, the beauty of existence, and the interconnectedness of all things. Let us seek the essence not in answers, but in the questions we ask, in the connections we forge, and in the love we share.

In this grand symphony, we find echoes of various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, for example, the apex or ultimate goal of human existence is to attain Nibbana, a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. This concept, like "Esse est Deus," speaks to a profound understanding of being and its ultimate potential. It suggests that the essence of human life, at its highest aspiration, is the transcendence of worldly limitations, the realization of a state beyond the transient nature of existence.

What we all know and agree upon is that the search for essence is a continuous, evolving process. Let us embrace the journey, with open hearts and minds, and discover the essence of all things within ourselves and in the world around us.

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.

Learning on the Go in the Age of AI

 

Learning on the Go in the Age of AI

Janpha Thadphoothon

What do you often do when you have to wait for the bus or the train? Or when you get stuck in the traffic? Surely, you would feel that the time (your life) is ticking away. Time is perhaps the most valuable thing you can have in this universe. In this blog post, I propose a new learning paradigm - doing it on the go.

The rationale is simple - time matters. Technology saves time. Logically, technology gives life. What is the better way to save your life (or rather the time we are equally distributed) than doing something worth spending time on – and one thing is 'learning' for your better life. In fact, with new technologies, i.e., smartphones, one can learn almost everything, anytime and anywhere. In short, we can learn on the go.

We can learn anytime and anywhere. Nothing is impossible when it comes to learning.

Why waste time when you are on the go...? Let's use the wasted time for learning. This is an essential part of what is called "Lifelong Learning" – a learning phenomenon (reality) of the 21st century.

Like other learning modes, learning-on-the-go (LOTG) has its pedagogical underpinnings.

First and foremost, there are two broad types of LOTG – the traditional LOTG (e.g., reading books at the airport) and the mobile LOTG (through tablets or smartphones).

I am sure you would agree with me that in this fast-paced world, time is a luxury. And in my opinion, the ability to maximize every moment, even those seemingly insignificant ones, is crucial for personal and professional growth. That's where the concept of "Learning on the Go" (LOTG) comes into play.

Let me introduce you to the notion of LOTG as a paradigm shift in how we perceive and engage with education. Fundamentally, I would argue that it's about transforming idle moments into opportunities for intellectual enrichment. We are no longer confined to classrooms or libraries; learning can happen anywhere, anytime.

As we know, the traditional view of learning often involves formal settings and structured curricula. However, I'd like to entertain you with the idea that learning is a continuous, organic process that should seamlessly integrate into our daily lives.

I think the proliferation of smartphones and tablets has revolutionized LOTG. I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that these devices have become powerful learning tools, providing access to a wealth of information and educational resources at our fingertips. They say that mobile learning, or m-learning, has democratized education, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Nevertheless, it is my long-held belief that (though I could be wrong) LOTG is not just about consuming information. It's also about actively engaging with it. I like the idea of using interactive apps, podcasts, and online courses to enhance our understanding of various subjects.

They say that the human brain is wired to learn through experience. I somehow think that LOTG can provide us with opportunities for experiential learning, even in seemingly mundane situations. For example, listening to a language podcast while commuting can help us improve our language skills.

My gut tells me that the key to effective LOTG is to be intentional about our learning goals. We need to identify our areas of interest and find resources that align with them. I know you would agree with me that setting realistic goals and tracking our progress can help us stay motivated.

However challenging, I determine to make it clear that LOTG is not a substitute for formal education. It's a supplementary approach that can enhance our learning experience. I must admit that structured learning environments provide a solid foundation for knowledge acquisition.

Some argue for the accessibility that LOTG brings, allowing those who are unable to attend traditional schooling to still access information and continue learning. Some argue against the potential for distraction that comes with using mobile devices for learning.

What we all know and agree upon is the need for self discipline. In the age of constant notifications and digital distractions, it is vital to create a focused learning environment. I guess it is essential to set aside dedicated time for learning and minimize interruptions.

The news has it that artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of education. I am not sure but AI-powered learning platforms can personalize learning experiences, providing tailored content and feedback to individual learners. This can make LOTG even more effective.

Experts say that AI can also help us identify our learning gaps and recommend relevant resources. This can save us time and effort, allowing us to focus on the areas where we need the most improvement.

My conviction is that the future of LOTG lies in the integration of AI and mobile technologies. Imagine having a personal AI tutor that can guide you through your learning journey, providing customized content and support.

I think that the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can also enhance LOTG. Imagine learning about history by immersing yourself in a virtual historical setting. Or learning about anatomy by exploring a 3D model of the human body.

Nevertheless, it is my belief that the human element remains crucial in the learning process. Technology can enhance our learning experience, but it cannot replace the guidance and support of a human teacher or mentor.

Those were the days when everything was simple, but now, the complexity of information available can be overwhelming. Therefore, learning how to filter and select the right information is a vital skill.

Having said that, I realize that LOTG requires a shift in mindset. We need to embrace a culture of continuous learning and be open to new ideas and approaches.

I could be wrong, but I believe that LOTG is not just about acquiring knowledge. It's also about developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.

No one knows everything, but I would like to emphasize the importance of lifelong learning in the age of AI. As technology continues to evolve, we need to adapt and acquire new skills to remain relevant in the workforce.

In my opinion, LOTG can help us cultivate a growth mindset, which is essential for success in the 21st century. A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Somehow I think it is important to remember that LOTG is not a solitary pursuit. We can learn from each other through online communities, forums, and social media platforms.

I am sure you would agree with me that the power of peer learning should not be underestimated. Sharing our knowledge and experiences with others can enhance our understanding and create a collaborative learning environment.

In conclusion, LOTG is a powerful approach to learning that can help us maximize our time and enhance our knowledge and skills. In the age of AI, it is more important than ever to embrace lifelong learning and cultivate a growth mindset. By leveraging technology and embracing a culture of continuous learning, we can unlock our full potential and thrive in the 21st century.

Please cite as:

Thadphoothon, J. Learning on the Go in the Age of AI. JT Blog. https://janpha.blogspot.com/2025/04/learning-on-go-in-age-of-ai.html

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.