Why Learn? by Joelle

Why Learn? by Joelle - April 2015 Scholarship Essay

Joelle Victoriano
15 April 2015

Why Learn?

In this modern society, it is necessary for a country to develop its human capital in order to maintain an economically and socially competitive position in both international and domestic affairs. This is primarily achieved through the facilitation of accessible and comprehensive education, and its subsequent innovative expansions in the fields of economics, politics, and the social and technological sciences. Without education, societies would be not only unable to learn from past lives and experiences, but also stagnant in their evolution and contemporary relevance, and ignorant of the useful and insightful ideals, philosophies, and schools of thought that have been developed for thousands of years.

From the first occurrence of public schooling in 1790 Pennsylvania to the creation of the Department of Education in 1867, and the enactment of the National Defense Education Act in 1958 to the Civil Rights Act in 1964, the history of education in America is one of economic repercussions, civil rights issues, and controversy. Significant federal actions, consisting of the aforementioned NDEA and Civil Rights Acts, in addition to landmark cases such as Murray v. Maryland and Brown v. Board of Education, have been examples of responses by the government to international threats, domestic racial issues, and American educational disparities. So why does education play such a significant role in contemporary society? It is clear that humans have been educating themselves for thousands of years: from the first use of man-made tools, to the explosion of the Renaissance, and to the recent educational acts by the Bush administration (No Child Left Behind law) and the Obama administration’s current reform and accountability programs. But in order to accurately answer this question, one must reflect on the pervasive integration of education in everyday life and its profound effects.

The purpose of education is threefold: it exists in order to improve upon man’s intellectual strengths, stabilize a society, and maintain the legacy of man through the collection and redistribution of information. Education provides for the distribution of past and present information to the masses, and the facilitation of innovation in intellectual and social circles, and technology. In addition, education lays down the foundation for universal comprehension of relevant subjects and attributes to the innate human psyche of learning. People naturally want to learn - whether it be about the latest gossip, a new cancer treatment, or a classic romance novel. The only way to share the wealth of knowledge that exists today is to educate through public and private schooling, word-of-mouth, the media, and the internet.

Education is everywhere. Children learn to read and write so that they can understand the world around them and eventually become active and relevant members of society. Teenagers are educated about a multitude of difficult subjects so that they can obtain a number of skills that will eventually manifest into their future careers and passions as adults. The elderly are consistently educated by the younger generations with innovations in technology and newfound societal values and issues. Education is pervasive, powerful, and potent. Without it, one cannot fully comprehend the world around them. Uneducated individuals lack the intelligence, skills, and understanding that basic contributing members of society possess. Without education, mankind would be devoid of the level of equality, compassion, and discovery that exists today. Simply put, education facilitates the progression, stability, and legacy of man.