What Are The Benefits & Pitfalls Of Modern Education?

[PetarKa]

Is school important nowadays? Why? Why not? How can we improve modern education (elementary, secondary, and academic)? Which subjects are important? Which are not? Should one focus his energy on school, learning, developing strong work habits, or should one focus on more pragmatic things such as personal development, psychology, meditation, etc.?

In many ways it can be useful, but also in many it can be just a waste of time, and sometimes even destructive? A big problem is that students are forced to study, and when you force someone to do anything instead of inspiring and motivating him to be a autonomous learner / practitioner, no results can be expected. The same goes for Leo's videos, and also in life in general. I see: math, history, biology, sociology, philosophy, language, a bit of science (physics & chemistry combined) to be important for everyone. Finally, I'm not sure whether students should focus on subjects outside of school, or study just for grades, or developing work habits, or a 4th option - I'm currently facing that question. The questions and answers are coming directly from a high school student.

What do you think? 

[Nahm]

@PetarKa The good news is you made it to earth somehow. The harder news is, if you're going to progress academically & get proper time in on your PD, and hold a job -  you'll have to motivate and focus yourself. We all face this. It helps to see that no one is forcing you to do anything. I chose to do all of that when I was your age. I'm glad I did. It's not easy though, not at all. The more you can get yourself to a place of enjoying all of it, the easier it will be. It takes time. 

[RossE]

I'd say don't believe everything (if anything!) you're taught in school. Our human discoveries are fine within the context of our own scientific approach to the world, but they don't say anywhere near as much about the world as we'd like. Don't get me wrong some of the medicine and technology humans have created is very useful, but if you want to know anything about existence or even yourself, I wouldn't get caught up in science or maths. They're useful tools though and yes knowing a bit is probably useful. Stick in with maths, science, maybe some language, take a philosophy related subject if you can. It will open your mind 

School is great for getting grades, then going to university/college, getting a degree, then getting a well paid, comfy job. If you apply yourself and listen to what your teachers say, study hard, you'll be good.

Here in Scotland I think there's so much missing from the curriculum, I can't comment on where you're from of course. I reckon if the next few generations of kids were exposed to hardcore PD, spiritual and epistemological topics at school, it would be a different country. Probably won't happen unless we whip up a team of hardcore self-actualizers whose mission it is to save the education system, however.

I did well in school through becoming very scientific minded, and I've almost got a maths-related degree now. BUT if I was at school now, I'd start doing some deep introspection, meditation and set out my proper life goals again. Really think about what I want long term.