Hi, Paul - good post:)

I agree with almost everything you have said about the development nature of mastering a skill.   Your observations of how learning comes together over a period of time are spot on.

The three elements you list are indeed essential and I particularly appreciate your drawing a clear distinction between values and character.   While the two are closely related, they are not the same thing.

I might hold a particular value, but how I respond when that value comes into question reveals my character.   Some values we hold are never truly challenged, so that question of how we will actually behave with regard to that value may never be posed.

This also provides a point for reflection:  If our values are not challenged, how do we know we value what we say we value?

Maybe holding a particular value compells us to seek out situations in which we will take a stand.

What do you think?

John