Studying explained

Studying and Acquiring Knowledge

Studying is one method of acquiring knowledge and abilities that one does not previously possess. It specifically enables for the exploration of numerous subjects through diverse teachings. Similarly, my life has transformed since starting at the university. I discovered stuff that helped me modify my perspective on many situations. I never questioned how things happened at first, instead believing what others told me. As a result, it is appropriate to declare that my time at university has impacted my faith, religious beliefs, and understanding of life.

Exposure to Philosophical Thinking

To start with, my time as a student has exposed me to many things; among them, philosophical thinking, which gives one the skills of thinking independently. Consequently, such exposure has brought the realization that life is more ambiguous and complicated than initially thought. The studies have equipped me with knowledge that allows me to have a broad perspective when assessing various subjects, including the perceptions about life. My thoughts have changed, and now I analyze things first before making up my mind on what to believe in.

Strengthening Faith and Renewing Religious Beliefs

Furthermore, my faith has also been strengthened and renewed due to the ability to review issues critically before making decisions. In this context, my religious beliefs have become sophisticated over time due to the improved perceptions that come from philosophizing. The teachings of philosophy have made analysis easier, and that allows me to explore religious issues in depth and with greater understanding. Moreover, the knowledge acquired during my two years of study enables me to review issues in a more critical way than I used to before joining the institution. Evidently, the religious convictions have improved, which makes me stauncher in my faith. My "bedrock faith" and religious beliefs have become more complicated due to the changes that come from the ability to assess things more critically. Hence, it is now easier to understand why some events happen in a certain way which is sometimes different from our expectations. At the same time, the improved perceptions enabled me to question the way things happen. However, the ability to review issues critically comes from the acquisition of philosophical knowledge. The increased knowledge makes life become ambiguous, which prompts one to seek for more answers to various topics. Hence, complexity is better because it enables one to gain more understanding of the issues they encounter.

The Influence of Experience and Perceptions

Finally, considering the accuracy of Merleau-Ponty assertion about philosophizing, it is true that most of our experiences concerning things come from our daily living. Consequently, our perceptions tend to change as we grow, and it has been found that our past shapes our thoughts and perspectives. Mostly, individuals use their previous encounters to make their current decisions (Bakewell 231). Therefore, perceptions tend to change as the days go by due to the changes that occur in people's lives. The sensitivity of daily living makes it easier to change what one believes in as a result of the various occurrences. Evidently, some things that happen in one's life may change the way they perceive the issues. At times, an individual may question why such occurrences tend to be in a particular way. Eventually, people are forced to base their imagination on what they currently know.

Influence of University Studies

In sum, it is evident that studies at the University of Dayton influenced my thinking by introducing more complexity and ambiguity in it. Specifically, my faith and religious beliefs became more sophisticated, and I realized the influence of experience and perceptions on making accurate decisions in life.

Work Cited

Bakewell, Sarah. At The Existentialist Café. New York, Other Press LLC, 2016.