The statement that education
can alienate a person from
their people may hold some
truth. Education must not
just be limited to obtaining
degrees and diplomas; it
should result in a
well-rounded personality
that is physically,
mentally, intellectually,
morally, and spiritually
developed. Unfortunately,
many educated individuals
today display snobbery,
alienating themselves from
others. They form clubs and
societies, becoming an
exclusive class apart from
others. Their morals are
often only superficial, and
the fruits of their
knowledge do not usually
reach the common man.
Furthermore, education in
most countries only aims to
fit students for specific
jobs, rarely preparing them
for life outside of their
work. This lopsided
development can cause a
student to struggle to
adjust to their home
surroundings after
experiencing the artificial
world outside, making them
an alien in their own home.
Educationists, from Rousseau
onwards, have recommended
methods where the child
learns in a natural
atmosphere to prevent this
from happening. Studying
abroad may seem glamorous,
but it can also result in a
student aping foreign habits
and losing touch with their
own culture. The philosophy
of education needs to change
so that students can achieve
their life's purpose and
reach their objectives or
goals while still being
connected to their people
and culture.
In conclusion, it is
essential to remember that
education is not just about
obtaining degrees and
diplomas but about
developing an all-rounded
personality that can be
useful to oneself and
others. Snobbery and
artificiality can often
alienate a person from their
people, and educationists
have recommended natural
methods to prevent this from
happening. Education should
prepare students for life
outside of their work, and
the philosophy of education
needs to change so that
students can achieve their
life's purpose while still
being connected to their
culture and people. |