The act of unlearning is one that most people aren't familiar with. For some reasons or another we can't seem to let go of the knowledge we've had or the beliefs that have being instilled in us mostly from a young age. But to fully understand the concept of unlearning we must understand what learning really is, and why it's become so important.
I was at a site some time ago I saw how POP ceilings for buildings were being made and it has reshaped my mindset on how I view it now.
Learning is actually a critical part of life, like a road map to read and understand the various routes that life will take you through. As a result we become the product of what we know and the believes we accept. A lot of basics about life were things that were taught to us and as time goes on they became our truth, the believes that shaped us.
Unlearning on the other hand is also learning from a different angle. It's a form of learning that requires an open mind and a deep understanding of other people's opinion before taking a stand. Unlearning requires examining and unpacking long held misconceptions and the ability to embrace the truth even if it hurts. From childhood I thought having enemies was a bad thing but then I grew up to understand that not having enemies was actually what you should worry about, because everybody is not supposed to like you or be your friend. That alone has made me value the true friendships I've had.
It is an important aspect of personal growth and development in a constantly evolving world. It's the ability to question existing knowledge that were only assumptions rather than facts and embracing new information and beliefs.
Unlearning is only effective and necessary when there's a recognition of the need to let go of certain information, beliefs, or habits, and this starts by acknowledging that what we've always known or believed is false or in sone way limiting in this modern age. Embracing new ideas and perspectives now becomes possible when we are able to detach from the emotional or psychological attachments that we've built over the years with our beliefs. One of such attachments could be being scared of change and holding on relationships or people just because they've being in our lives for long even when it's clearly not helping your growth. Life is constantly evolving and in phases
Unlearning has it's benefits from personal to professional. On a personal level, I think about how my knowledge and understanding of life shifted from secondary school, to university days and now that I'm navigating the real world as a graduate. Many of us at some point thought the phrase "education is key" was as simple as it sounds, like we could just get out of school, bag our dream jobs and earn loads of cash. Until reality surfaced and forced us to change our mindsets and see life differently.
On a professional scene, the need for change is essential for growth and creativity, so unlearning outdated knowledge and picking up new ideas is crucial to remain relevant in whatever line of work.
Generally technology has brought a shift in the reasoning and beliefs of different generations but the ability to engage on this active process of filtering what information or habit is actually true regardless of religion, background or other sentiments is the act of unlearning.