Week 3: Prompt 1: Captain Kirk’s Leadership Lessons

One of the leadership lessons of Captain Kirk that Alex Knapp writes about in his essay, "Five Leadership Lessons from James T. Kirk," writes about is “Never Stop Learning” (28).  This lesson is valuable to me because it embodies one of my personal philosophies.  I believe that we should be lifelong learners.

Knapp writes, “You know the greatest danger facing us is ourselves, an irrational fear of the unknown. But, there’s no such thing as the unknown – only things temporarily hidden, temporarily not understood” (28).

The statement rings true for me because it is true.  If you do not know something, then, it is not a problem.  All you have to do is look it up, ask a question, or seek an answer.  There is not much that will remain unknown if you look for an answer.  Yes, there are times when you may not be able to find the answer when you are looking for it, but there is an answer, it is just hidden.

It is important to value knowledge because it helps us grow as a person.  It helps you become better.  It helps you be informed.  It provides data, evidence, facts, figures, and more that will keep you from being duped or deceived.  It is even biblical to be a lifelong learner.  Hosea 4:6a (ERV) states, “My people are destroyed because they have no knowledge.”  Without knowledge, your mind can be shattered, so, it is vital that you continue to learn, no matter what age, or station you are in.

As Knapp eloquently states, “The more knowledge you have, the more creative you can be. The more you’re able to do, the more solutions you have for problems at your disposal. Sure, you might never have to face down a reptilian alien on a desert planet, but you never know what the future holds. Knowledge is your best key to overcoming whatever obstacles are in your way” (29).

Works Cited

Knapp, Alex. "Five Leadership Lessons from James T. Kirk." Read, Write, Reason, Edited by Dorothy U. Selyler, McGraw-Hill Education, 2015. 28-32. e-file.