The Call to Be a Teacher: A Life’s Ultimate Purpose
There is no higher calling in this life than being a teacher.
This role demands sharing knowledge and critically examining the world to remove nonsense, prejudice, privilege, and superstition. Teaching is an act of
intellectual and moral responsibility. Whether formally in a classroom or
informally in everyday life, it is through teaching that we exercise our
superior intellect to confront falsehoods, think critically, and foster
understanding.
If you cannot dedicate yourself to teaching full-time, then
at least embrace it as an integral part of your existence. Each of us has
something to share: lessons learned and insights gained. To be a teacher is not
merely to pass along information but to challenge others—and us—to think deeply
and critically about our world.
Teaching as a Lifelong Commitment
Life is a journey of discovery, trial, and growth. Along the
way, we accumulate knowledge, wisdom, and understanding treasures that should
not be hoarded but shared. No matter your profession or passion, your
experiences hold immense value. It is our duty to pass these on to others in
ways that strip away misconceptions and illuminate the truth.
Teaching transcends any specific role or profession. It is
about questioning assumptions, examining evidence, and encouraging others to
see the world with clarity and reason. A true teacher is not content with rote
learning or passive acceptance but inspires others to think critically and act
wisely.
Confronting Superstition and Falsehoods
The human intellect is our most powerful tool, yet it has
been shackled by superstition and dogma for centuries. These vestiges of
uncritical thinking have hindered progress and perpetuated ignorance. As
teachers, it is our duty to consign superstition to oblivion by fostering a
culture of critical inquiry and evidence-based reasoning.
Teaching demands the courage to confront and dismantle
entrenched beliefs that lack rational foundation. Whether addressing societal
prejudices, dismantling privileges that perpetuate inequality, or challenging
the grip of outdated dogmas, a teacher’s role is to illuminate paths of
understanding that lead away from ignorance.
The Meaning of Teaching in a Fleeting Universe
Yes, life can feel meaningless. “Vanity of vanities, all is
vanity,” as Ecclesiastes laments. The universe itself and everything within it
is destined to end. Yet, this inevitability does not excuse us from our
obligation to find and create meaning in the here and now. Teaching, in its
truest form, is one of the most profound ways to create meaning in an otherwise
transient existence.
By sharing what we have learned—grounded in reason and
liberated from superstition—we help others navigate the complexities of their
own journeys. Even if you conclude that life is devoid of inherent purpose, it
is your duty to guide others in grappling with that reality and finding their
own purpose. Teaching is not about imposing answers but about fostering the
ability to question.
Empathy and Critical Thought: The Heart of Teaching
True teaching requires both humility and empathy, combined
with the unyielding pursuit of truth. It is not about arrogance or the mere
display of knowledge; it is about meeting others where they are, understanding
their struggles, and helping them think critically about their circumstances.
Empathy allows a teacher to connect with students, but critical
intellect enables the stripping away of falsehoods. A great teacher challenges
not only the learners' biases but also their own, continually refining their
understanding and modeling intellectual honesty.
Teaching as a Legacy of Critical Thinking
To teach is to leave a legacy of knowledge and the ability
to think critically and discern truth. What you share today can shape
generations to come. Your insights and methods of inquiry contribute to the
collective understanding of humanity.
This legacy is not limited to grand ideas. It can be as
simple as teaching someone to question an unfounded claim, analyze a problem
rationally, or recognize the prejudices that obscure clear thinking. Every act
of teaching, no matter how modest, contributes to elevating human thought.
A Life of Purpose and Reason
Ultimately, teaching is to live with purpose and reason. It
is to take what you have learned—no matter how painful, joyful, or mundane—and
use it to help others think critically, act wisely, and live meaningfully. It
is an act of selflessness, a way to transcend the fleeting nature of existence
and contribute to something greater than yourself.
So, embrace the role of a teacher. Follow your star, passionately
pursue your profession, and share your journey with humility and empathy. Use
your superior intellect to challenge falsehoods, consign superstition to
oblivion, and illuminate the truth. Life may be fleeting, but the lessons we
teach endure. In teaching, we find purpose, meaning, and connection. It is our
duty—and our privilege—to teach.
William James Spriggs