Nature as an Instructor

By Bob Webb

Nature teaches people how to learn, not what to learn. What man learns from nature depends on his goals, whether it be farmer, concept thinker, or sailor. The forces of nature can assist in achieving those goals. Nature as an instructor brings man’s natural learning skills together — self-education, experiential education, and perceptive insight. Students learn to work in harmony in a temperamental, sometimes hostile environment.

Nature has laws that are friendly if understood and respected. It works hard when quality decisions are based on its laws. It can be harsh if its laws are not respected or understood. Nature does not allow cheating, shortcuts, lying, or influence. It establishes a level playing field for everyone. If a man feels he must be dishonest in order to get ahead, he will be humbled when working with the forces’ of nature.

If a farmer plows his field with rows up and down a hill, nature will wash topsoil and seeds into a gully. Nature did just what the farmer didn’t want. If the field is plowed parallel to the slope, the soil will hold water and have time to soak into the ground. Seeds will grow. Farmers analyze nature’s habits and find ways to work in harmony with nature. Analyzing nature’s laws is a powerful learning tool for achieving harmony.

When students come aboard a windjammer for the first time, they think only of themselves and “What’s-in-it-for-me,” attitudes. Ten days later, students think as a team with attitudes of “How-can-I-support-the-team?” Peer influence motivates them to assume responsibility. Also, at sea, students experience the awesome power of nature and realize it is the boss. This is experienced very quickly by a free sheet whipping in the wind. The inexperienced student will be thrashed by it until he gets it under control. A thrashing by a loose sail creates instant respect for the force of nature. After that, he evaluates the elements honestly and faces up to his limitations. He thinks ahead, planning how to keep sails and lines under control. He is learning the laws of nature and how to use its powerful force.

Goals aboard sailing vessels are automatic, “to reach the next port safely by using the power of nature.” Preparations before a voyage determines the level of comfort or problems a crew will have at sea. If there is a lack of proper equipment and/or shortcut installation, resulting problems could cause tremendous discomfort and/or damage. Unpredictable wind and seas are the bosses’ that create the workload. A smooth running vessel does not use shortcuts or dishonest work habits. Jobs must be done right. If not, the boss (nature) will increase volume and magnitude of problems until they are done right. Money, personal power or status quo has no influence. The crew, its skills, and resources available to them are their only tools, they cannot depend on outside help to solve problems. Problems accrue because something wasn’t done right. Blaming them on nature solves nothing. Quality decisions prevent problems. The results, the crew learns to make quality decisions and work as a team.

Team peer influence motivates students to learn all they can about their task and the ship. Sharing information reduces accidents, problems, and increases performance. Learning to analyze what works and does not work makes tasks easier. Natures’ power teaches crewmembers how to make good decisions, develop self-control and to accept responsibility. When team members learn to work in harmony with nature, life becomes highly motivating. In ten days time, they have discovered a more exciting life by working in harmony with their fellow man. Nature was the instructor.

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