According to German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, there are three stages of human growth necessary for man to transform into the Übermensch (the superman).
Nietzsche states that every student has to go through these stages.
Camel
At the beginning, every student is a beast of burden. The thirst for learning must take him to every pond of knowledge.
At this stage, he desires not freedom. Because, he must let go of his ego to intern with capable people without respite or reward. He must focus on one and only one thing: to acquire knowledge and toil for his craft.
Lion
Now that knowledge has been ingested, the time is right for hunting.
With mastery over the subject, the student hunts for original ideas that he expresses with newfound confidence.
The dull monotony of knowledge has been swallowed, and a coherent story of highly-connected ideas has been spit out.
At this stage, confidence is one’s capacity is born. One boldly both articulates and defends his positions.
Child
One would assume that the evolution is now complete. Not yet, according to Nietzsche.
Because the story has now turned into a sentiment. Confidence has been replaced by smug complacency. Curiosity and exploration have given way to beliefs.
The time is ripe for skepticism.
Thus, an ever-questioning child is born from the ashes of leonine confidence.
The child that refuses to wear blinkers, is free from ideological baggage and mocks sacred cows.
The journey starts again. Into uncharted terrains where none has ventured before.
So in which stage of human progress are you in your present pursuit?
Musings by Madhav 
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