The etymology of school 2.0: An even deeper layer

Indy Thijn
Oct 6
5 min read

February 10, 2025

So... After my previous article, I felt compelled to further investigate what else lies hidden beneath the word skholē . Like everything, this concept also originated somewhere. I hope you enjoy reading it; I'm going cross-eyed from researching it.

In my previous article, I explored the etymology of the word " school" and how we've deviated from its original meaning: peace, freedom, and space to learn. But now that I've looked further, it turns out we can go back even further, to the roots of the Greek skhein : to get and the Proto-Indo-European root segh:t o hold, from which skholē emerged. These concepts reveal deeper layers about the origins. What exactly do they mean, and what do they tell us about the essence of learning and growing?

What were Proto-Indo-European and Ancient Greek?

Proto-Indo-European, PIE, is a hypothetical proto-language from which many modern European and Asian languages descend. It wasn't a written language, but a reconstruction based on comparisons between languages like Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, and Germanic languages. These early roots are often the bearers of ancient wisdom and can provide us with important insights.

Ancient Greek developed later and became one of the first languages to express philosophy, science, and art extensively. Many Greek words, such as skhein ( to get ), reflect deep philosophical insights about life and learning.

The historical context of skhein and segh-

The Greek word skhein literally means to receive or acquire. It refers to a process of receiving—not only materially, but also on a deeper, immaterial level. Proto-Indo-European segh , from which skhein derives, means to hold or support. The idea of protecting, cherishing, and preserving something is essential here.

Together, these concepts form the root of skholē , which originally meant free time. This wasn't just relaxation, but a space in which one could receive. For example, knowledge or insight, which one then retained or internalized. What strikes me is the order: first to hold : segh , then to get : skhein . I've delved into this a bit more.

'To Hold': What's Already Inside You

The term "to hold" refers to holding, protecting, and honoring what is already present. If we translate this to learning and developing, where it is the first step, what would that suggest? That learning doesn't begin with absorbing something new from outside, but with acknowledging what is already within you. It's not a passive act, but a process of connecting with your own core.

To hold in this sense means:

Getting to know yourself : It starts with an honest look inside. Who am I? What do I already carry with me? Which values, talents, dreams, and insights are part of me? This is the foundation of learning—not from emptiness, but from a process of self-discovery. This sounds rather philosophical, but as a parent or professional, it actually means in practice: Hands-off from the core. Let the child be fully, uniquely, and discover themselves.
Honoring what's important : This can apply to both the wisdom and customs of ancestors, for example, and acknowledging what already lives within you and fully embracing it. It requires appreciating the things that make you unique and trusting that everything you need is already present within you. Translated into what's important for a child, this could be fostering self-confidence. I recently came across Bart Heeling's term "all-encompassing acceptance," a wonderful example.
Connecting with the here and now : Holding on can be at odds with being flexible—but I see it as staying true to your own foundation while attuning yourself to today's reality. It's a continuous dance between who you are and the world around you. A crucial combination in the foundation of a child's development, especially in the current era we live in. You can also learn to relate to the world around you through your own experience.

In my view, the essence of "to hold" can be linked to the recognition that your core of wisdom has been present within you since the moment you were born. It's a process of remembering and maintaining that connection.

'To Get': Being open to what you may receive

From the stability of "to hold, " space arises for "to get . " "To get" doesn't simply mean receiving in the sense of absorbing external knowledge, but also being receptive to what comes in and resonates with your inner world. It can also involve consciously selecting what you allow and how you integrate it.

To get means:

Receptivity to inspiration : From a solid foundation, you can be open to new ideas and insights that connect with who you are or that challenge you to reflect and broaden your horizons.
Enriching your core : What you receive isn't simply added to, but interwoven with what you already hold. It enriches your existing inner wisdom and forms a greater whole.
Conscious choice : Not everything that comes from outside is valuable in the sense that you need to do something with it. What you receive and truly want to integrate into reality must align with your core and your needs.

So, "to get" doesn't come from forcing yourself, but from listening to what resonates with you. A good example is that everyone takes different notes during a lecture or explanation. A different sentence resonates with everyone, or a specific word or image sparks inspiration. And from all these different notes, equally beautiful and important new ideas can emerge. Together, all these unique perspectives create a vibrant and lively whole.

Everyone at their full potential, from the start

The dynamic of "to hold" and "to get" shows that learning isn't a linear process. It starts with acknowledging what you already have inside and building on it.

What you receive is integrated into your core, allowing you to grow without losing yourself. This cyclical process is not an endless quest for external knowledge, but a refinement of your inner wisdom.

I'd like to see us stop treating everyone as a blank canvas who needs to be bombarded with information before they can do anything or be good at anything, and instead realize that we are each wise souls who have something to offer. And age doesn't discriminate. By combining the knowledge we have on earth with this, a positive-plus situation is created.

I'd like to ask you , when you look at yourself and feel when you were born, what did you arrive at your core with? What backpack did you pack when you decided to come to Earth? And is that something you still work with, enjoy, and use?

If so, congratulations. Can you elaborate on this further, share it, and spread the word?

If not, how could you reconnect with this?

Finally, I want to invite you to look at the children you have or work with through this lens. Let's keep these and the next generations whole as they arrive and journey through our education system. Every soul is so important.

So... After my previous article, I felt compelled to further investigate what else lies hidden beneath the word skholē . Like everything, this concept also originated somewhere. I hope you enjoy reading it; I'm going cross-eyed from researching it.

What were Proto-Indo-European and Ancient Greek?

Ancient Greek developed later and became one of the first languages to express philosophy, science, and art extensively. Many Greek words, such as skhein ( to get ), reflect deep philosophical insights about life and learning.

The historical context of skhein and segh-

'To Hold': What's Already Inside You

To hold in this sense means:

In my view, the essence of "to hold" can be linked to the recognition that your core of wisdom has been present within you since the moment you were born. It's a process of remembering and maintaining that connection.

'To Get': Being open to what you may receive

To get means:

Receptivity to inspiration : From a solid foundation, you can be open to new ideas and insights that connect with who you are or that challenge you to reflect and broaden your horizons.

Enriching your core : What you receive isn't simply added to, but interwoven with what you already hold. It enriches your existing inner wisdom and forms a greater whole.

Conscious choice : Not everything that comes from outside is valuable in the sense that you need to do something with it. What you receive and truly want to integrate into reality must align with your core and your needs.

Everyone at their full potential, from the start

The dynamic of "to hold" and "to get" shows that learning isn't a linear process. It starts with acknowledging what you already have inside and building on it.

What you receive is integrated into your core, allowing you to grow without losing yourself. This cyclical process is not an endless quest for external knowledge, but a refinement of your inner wisdom.

I'd like to ask you , when you look at yourself and feel when you were born, what did you arrive at your core with? What backpack did you pack when you decided to come to Earth? And is that something you still work with, enjoy, and use?

If so, congratulations. Can you elaborate on this further, share it, and spread the word?

If not, how could you reconnect with this?

Finally, I want to invite you to look at the children you have or work with through this lens. Let's keep these and the next generations whole as they arrive and journey through our education system. Every soul is so important.