What photography has taught me is the ability to see the beauty in everything. A chair, an open field, even garbage can be beautiful. I feel as the older I get, time flows faster and I need photography to slow me down. We miss so many things in life because we just don't notice. Photography also taught me to appreciate "normal" more. Normal meaning everyday life. Things you think aren't worth documenting or not exciting enough can be exciting and beautiful. It's really how you shoot the photo.
Sometimes I think I would teach a photography class. First lesson I would give everyone a disposable camera. I want to teach them composition before going technical. As for the second lesson, go find something boring like a tree or a flower or a trash can and make it look interesting. Learning about shutter speed or white balance or aperture are important but those you can learn from reading books.