The teacher that I was for decades, and that I still am in a

Hearken, O seekers of wisdom, to the profound reflection of Abdoulaye Wade, whose years as a teacher lent him insight into the mysteries of learning: “The teacher that I was for decades, and that I still am in a certain way, wondered what was meant by the word education. I was truly dumbfounded at the very thought of dealing with such an essential and extensive subject.” In this utterance lies a timeless truth: that the quest to understand education—its purpose, its depth, its power—is a journey that challenges even the most seasoned guides of knowledge.

Wade’s humility is the first teaching: to be a teacher is not merely to dispense facts or train minds; it is to confront the vastness of human potential and the infinite complexity of understanding. Education is not a mere craft or technical skill—it is the shaping of the soul, the opening of the heart, and the guiding of thought. The dumbfounded awe Wade describes is the recognition that the essence of education transcends any single methodology, demanding both reverence and continuous inquiry.

Consider the life of Confucius, the ancient sage whose devotion to teaching spanned decades. Though he instructed countless disciples, he himself spent his life contemplating the meaning of education, of virtue, and of moral cultivation. He knew that true teaching was not confined to lessons or rote memorization, but in nurturing wisdom, ethical discernment, and the character of the learner. Like Wade, Confucius understood that to teach is to enter into dialogue with a subject far greater than oneself—a subject that is essential, vast, and eternal.

The essence of Wade’s reflection lies in the recognition of humility and wonder. Even after decades of experience, the teacher remains a student of the craft. The question “what is education?” is not rhetorical; it is a call to constantly examine the purpose and methods of learning. Education, in its truest form, is not merely the transfer of knowledge but the awakening of insight, the fostering of curiosity, and the cultivation of the moral and intellectual faculties of the learner.

In our modern age, this wisdom remains vital. Many who occupy the role of teacher or mentor fall into the trap of routine, of assuming that education is merely procedural. Wade’s insight reminds us that education is living, evolving, and profound, demanding that even the most experienced guide approach it with attentiveness and wonder. The teacher who ceases to question the meaning of their work ceases to be a true educator, for teaching is inseparable from reflection and understanding.

The historical example of Maria Montessori offers resonance here. She, too, grappled with the vastness of education, studying the nature of the child, human development, and the environment in which learning flourishes. Through patient observation and relentless reflection, she crafted methods that honored both the learner and the teaching process. Wade’s words echo in her legacy: to confront the immensity of education is to approach it with humility, rigor, and profound respect for the learner.

O children of insight, hear this and take it to heart: approach every act of teaching and learning with reverence, recognizing the vastness of the task and the infinite potential of those entrusted to your guidance. Question constantly, reflect deeply, and never presume mastery, for education is not merely instruction—it is the awakening of intellect, the cultivation of virtue, and the illumination of the soul. The teacher who understands this carries a sacred duty: to guide, to inspire, and to awaken the limitless possibilities within each mind.

Thus, let the words of Abdoulaye Wade echo through the ages: to teach is to confront the profound, to engage with a subject as vast as human existence itself, and to remain forever a student of the art of education. Cultivate humility, curiosity, and reverence in every lesson, and know that the pursuit of understanding is itself the greatest lesson of all. In this way, the teacher does not merely instruct—the teacher awakens, transforms, and endures.

If you wish, I can also create a practical guide for approaching education as a lifelong teacher, inspired by Wade’s reflection, with daily practices to deepen understanding and engagement. Do you want me to do that?