Sunday, July 3, 2011

The Politics of Books and Boards

Education is a complicated matter. There is no denying it. People are quick to say a few things about it, nevertheless: (1) it is necessary for the progress of an individual and, thus, a community in general to arise from poverty and (2) it is the fault of the individual who does not have an education for not having one.

Believe it or not, these "truths" - or rather assumptions - cannot possibly be further from the truth. History has shown us that education is not the catalyst to quicken the pace of progress or, for that matter, prosperity. Consider entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Steve Jobbs and, for that matter, Andrew Carnegie. And, as a side note, let it be known that these men are the idols of stark Capitalists, who are the usual ones to make these assumptions.

So, those who are materially prosperous are not all well educated. Does that mean that those who are poorly educated are bound for great things? No...obviously that is not true. It is not education that allows people to achieve greatness - whatever that may be - but rather an "inner flame:" an inner impetus that drives them to stay on a path to finally arrive at that station, greatness.

So, is it the fault of the individual for not having an education? By the definition above, it is. But, low and behold, for not the reason that seems so "obvious" to those who are quick to make this conclusion.

In order to receive an education, there are a certain set of resources required. Now, in the case when these resources cannot be possessed in matters of birth, they must be acquired in matters involving, yes believe it or not, a citizen's Democratic responsibilities. It is not the fault of the individual for not getting an education in terms of an "every man for himslef," but rather because it is the responsibility of the individual to call out for help. And this outcry must be, to be successful, to only to help oneself but to help others. In other words, both the internal and external forces must be pressed, though the former must come before and stand quite a bit more potent than the latter.

So, in solving the problems of the World, it is not education that we must concentrate upon. Education does not progress country, so as to allow them to prosper. No. The resources that are available - even with the most sincere of philanthropic consciences - will not be distributed to those in need if this very "every man for himself" type of philosophy still survives.

Yet no one can say that the destruction of such a formidable and longstanding institution will be simple. But, before such a mighty step can be taken, one must simply exhale the dirty fumes of the past: Peace between men must made. This way, there will be no reason for one man to take away another's own life, liberty of pursuit of happiness.       

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