14. Never stop learning or reading.

There is probably no reason to even include this little gem on my list as it seems so obvious. While I am a very consistent reader I am often surprised when I encounter someone who is not. Probably because of my teacher's background a love of reading is taken for granted. An old proverb maintains that a man who can read and does not, is no better off than a man who cannot read. Whether it is true or not, reading is a fundamental plank in the foundation of anyone's life.

Any academic success is predicated upon the ability to read (and probably write) at a fairly sophisticated level and understand, interpret, internalize, and utilize what they read in some manner. Whether it is a philosophy or a chemistry textbook, or a technical manual, or a set of directions, we all need some reading proficiency to be successful. As important as functional reading is, I value recreational reading just as much. I cannot live very happily without a book, fiction or non-fiction, to read at all times. When I can find no other diversion, I know that reading a book is always my default setting. I have learned the love of reading!

Just as reading is so important to my life, the love of learning is also an important component. While the two activities are closely tied together they are not essentially so. Much of the enjoyment of using a computer is dependent on my ability to read, research, follow directions and uncover many new and amazing stories or information. But learning can happen in lots of settings other than the printed word.

Many people are more proficient in learning other than through books. I greatly admire a couple of my friends who are the kind of guys who "can do anything." One friend completely built his own house, including excavation, framing, electrical work, plumbing, roofing and custom cabinetry, by learning from his hands-on experiences as he proceeded. Another is able to "fix anything!" Both of these guys learned by doing, not just reading, and I admire them immensely. There are many ways to skin a cat and there are many different ways to read and learn.