BE A TEACHER

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 Whether addressing societal prejudices, dismantling privileges that perpetuate inequality, or challenging the grip of outdated dogmas, a teacher’s role is to illuminate paths of understanding that lead away from ignorance.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