The concept of ‘continuous personal development’ through student centered (self-actualized) learning. Lifelong learners demonstrate: the ability to accept themselves as well as others spontaneous but ethical behavior a strong focus upon problems outside themselves the ability to capitalize on the qualities of detachment and solitude independent stability in the face of hard knocks freshness of appreciation deep feelings of identification, sympathy, and affection for humankind profound interpersonal relationships a democratic character structure strong ethics with definite moral standards philosophical, unhostile sense of humor a special kind of creativeness the ability to function independently as a part of the growing tip of humanity