Ever feel like you’re constantly learning something new, whether you signed up for the lesson or not? Life has this funny way of teaching us, often when we least expect it. And that’s a good thing. It means we’re always growing, always evolving.
Here at GoodExistence.com, we’re all about that journey of growth. It’s something our founder, Stephen Montagne, knows a lot about. From battling gaming addiction and binge eating to losing over 110 pounds, his path has been one of constant learning and relearning. He learned how to build a life he loves, grounded in healthy habits, productive routines, and a strong faith. It wasn't about a magic fix. It was about embracing the lessons, even the tough ones.
Teaching and learning are two sides of the same amazing coin. They shape who we are and how we navigate the world. So, let’s dive into some wisdom that can light up our paths.
The Constant Adventure of Learning
Think about it. Every day offers a chance to learn. Maybe it’s a new skill for work, a deeper understanding of yourself, or even just figuring out a new recipe. Stephen often talks about how learning was key to his transformation. He didn’t just wake up one day and stop unhealthy habits. He had to learn why he had them and how to replace them with something better. He learned about nutrition to overcome binge eating. He learned about focused work to build productivity, finding that short bursts of deep work were far more effective than long, draining hours. This continuous learning is what powers real change.
25 Quotes to Inspire Your Inner Student and Teacher
Here are some powerful words about teaching and learning. Let them sink in. Maybe one or two will really speak to where you are right now.
- "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." – B.B. King
- This is so true. Every bit of knowledge or skill becomes a part of you.
- "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." – Mahatma Gandhi
- "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." – Benjamin Franklin
- Getting hands-on makes all the difference, doesn't it?
- "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." – Socrates
- "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela
- "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty." – Henry Ford
- This reminds me of Stephen's journey. He truly started living when he committed to learning and changing, no matter the stumbles.
- "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery." – Mark Van Doren
- "Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." – Abigail Adams
- "You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over." – Richard Branson
- So much of Stephen’s success in losing weight and building good habits came from trying, sometimes failing, and trying again, learning each time.
- "The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." – Plutarch
- "The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see." – Alexandra K. Trenfor
- "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." – Benjamin Franklin
- "The great aim of education is not knowledge but action." – Herbert Spencer
- It’s not just about knowing things. It’s about what you do with that knowledge.
- "Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow." – Anthony J. D'Angelo
- "Change is the end result of all true learning." – Leo Buscaglia
- This really hits home when you think about overcoming deep-rooted habits. Learning new ways to cope or new reasons to change is fundamental.
- "A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." – Brad Henry
- "Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it." – Albert Einstein
- "Learning never exhausts the mind." – Leonardo da Vinci
- "What we learn with pleasure we never forget." – Alfred Mercier
- Finding joy in the process, like Stephen celebrating small wins on his health journey, makes learning stick.
- "The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind." – Kahlil Gibran
- "I am still learning." – Michelangelo (at age 87)
- If he was still learning, we definitely can be too!
- "The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice." – Brian Herbert
- "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." – William Butler Yeats (often attributed, similar to Plutarch)
- "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." – Dr. Seuss
- Simple. Profound. True.
- "Mistakes are proof that you are trying." – Unknown
- This is crucial. Every misstep in trying to quit smoking or control drinking is a lesson, not a full stop. Stephen learned this firsthand.
Making These Words Work for You
Reading inspiring quotes is great. But how do we bring this wisdom into our everyday lives? It starts with mindset.
Think about a challenge you’re facing. Maybe it’s a bad habit you want to break, like Stephen's past struggles with gaming or laziness. Or perhaps you want to build a new skill or improve your relationships.
Approach it like a student.
What can you learn about this challenge?
What small step can you take today to learn something new or try a different approach?
When Stephen decided to tackle his weight, he didn't just go on a diet. He learned about food. He learned about his body. He learned about emotional eating. This learning empowered him to make sustainable changes. He also learned the power of celebrating small wins. Each pound lost, each healthy meal chosen, was a lesson learned and a victory celebrated. This kept him going.
His journey to build a productive routine wasn't an overnight success either. He learned about deep work, experimented with different schedules, and found that 2-4 hours of focused effort brought incredible results. This was learning in action.
Even strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith was a journey of learning, reflection, and seeking understanding. He found that a closer relationship with God brought immense purpose and clarity, lessons that continue to unfold daily.
Your Turn to Teach and Learn
We are all teachers and students. Every interaction, every experience, holds a lesson. And every piece of wisdom we gain is something we can, in our own way, share with others.
What’s one thing you’ve learned recently that truly changed your perspective or helped you grow? And looking ahead, what’s one thing you’re curious to learn more about this week?
Don’t just let these quotes be words on a page. Pick one that resonates. Write it down. Think about how it applies to your life. And then, take one small action inspired by it. That’s where the real magic of learning begins. You’ve got this.
