Yesterday we observed that diligence is an act of love.  Well, then, it should come as no surprise to you that the origin of the word diligent is the Latin word diligere, which means to “value highly” or “to love.”  And the related noun, diligentia, means “carefulness” or “attentiveness.”  Hence the notion of diligence as “careful and persistent work or effort”—the kind we give only to something we love.

The word study, on the other hand, comes from the Latin, studium, meaning “zeal” or “dedication” or even “eagerness.”  When we properly study a subject or a discipline, then we have an eagerness or zeal in our pursuit of it—a real dedication to it. 

Put the two words together and when we are diligent in study, we carefully, attentively, and persistently dedicate ourselves with eagerness and zeal to our subject.  Diligens in studium.

Have you ever approached anything in that way?  Maybe football or baseball stats?  Or perhaps music lyrics? Dare I say, video games?  Nobody has to force you to diligently study those things, do they?  You spend time and effort and attention on them, because…well…you love them.

How about chemistry or literature or history?  Do you ever wake up asking for Wheelock’s Latin or your math flashcards, instead of your iPad?  I know…probably not.  Do you think I’m a little crazy for even asking?  I know, probably.  But as crazy as it may sound, that’s why you’re here—to learn to love to learn.  And when one day, you pick up the Aeneid instead of Minecraft, you’ll know what I mean.  Until then…