Herbert Spencer, in his book *Social Statics, says, "Education has for its object the formation of character". These words of Spencer evokes multiple questions to human mind. How education builds character? Is character necessary for moral development? Quite obvious, it is integral part to make a human being to sustain in the society.
While an individuality of any human being is no doubt of great importance, one is also an integral part of society and cannot exist in isolation from it. This point is even explained in existentialism philosophy. Every action taken by an individual contributes to the collective action of society. Thus, it is essential that they work toward the well-being of society.
Similarly, all institutions within our society whether they are banks, political ones or any other type ultimately function with the capacity of individual human beings. In other words, as individuals come together to develop these institutions develop and help them grow. In these institutions, the effots of individuals reflect. Every institution has a distinct character and this particular character is shaped by the people who are part of it. Since individuals are an inseparable part of society therefore, without individuals, there can be no society.
So, when the individual is connected to society, and society to the individual. Obviously they cannot be separated. Then it also arises question, shouldn't the design of education to keep them linked, and also prioritizing the progress? Thus people should be educated with an education that proves beneficial to society. Education should make every single individual to come together and form a strong and unified society.
Education should teach a person to respect their elders and to show compassion towards younger ones
If it is unable to make this effect then such an education is pointless. If even after attaining an education a person is unable to contribute anything positive to society and if they cannot help the poor, but instead exploit them for money then that education has had no impact on their heart.
True education is that which softens the human heart and enables one to feel the pain and suffering of others. Education has to open the heart and also open the mind.
If education only turns your heart into stone, then it is of no use at all.
Where we are lagging?
The core issue in the expectations of our society and the commercialization of our education system.
Nowadays, parents expect that once their child completes their education, they will secure a government job and earn money.
By setting money and materialism as the ultimate goal, we have set aside the part of morality in the background. We have lost the idea that education should enable a child to make a positive contribution to society or learn to respect their elders. Instead of bringing such values, the child are being trained to become machines. The education system is solely dedicated to generate income and sum up more and more capital.
So, there is need to change the expectation standard towards the education system.
I am eager to know your thoughts on the topic!
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