Ideals can and do empower people to transcend their limitations and accomplish feats that inspire many. Political activists devote their lives to help achieve their utopian vision of social equity and people of faith struggle hard to bear witness to the ideal of selfless love of their neighbors. Ideals also serve an important role in education, as many teachers try to realize their dreams and hopes in the classroom. While some find inspiration from caring and erudite teachers they personally encountered as students, others are inspired by theoretical ideas proposed by philosophers and scientists. The purpose of this study is to propose lifelong learning as an ideal that has the power to stimulate teachers to become more effective in the classroom. After discussing the central characteristics, the importance, and benefits of lifelong learning, we will reflect upon the impediments and complications that can thwart its realization.
P. Alan Williams (Sat,) studied this question.