Toward the Positive Circle: Human Resources As the Foundation of Continuous Learning

In the future work and societal changes, those who are ready to renew their expertise and skills will succeed the best. Continuous learning means the constant expansion of skills and skill-sets through learning and increasing knowledge. Continuous learning will be relevant to all people regardless of their educational background or position. In this chapter, we analyze the phenomenon of continuous learning in the rapidly changing society from the perspective of joy of learning, flourishing, and human resources. We argue that the basis of continuous learning is set already in early education through positive learning experiences. If children are taught to perceive themselves in the light of their resources, they will show self-confidence and self-efficacy in their development – the resource-based foundation ignites optimistic attitudes toward the future and creates a positive circle of continuous learning. Finding the best possible ways of benefitting from the opportunities of continuous learning, people should be able to find their place in society and motivation to develop in their own areas of expertise and flourishing. Education plays a key role not only in providing an increasing variety of ways to learn continuously but also, and perhaps more importantly, in providing us with the tools to approach learning and personal flourishing.