Why Do We Need Education?

(Tayyaba Himmat, Islamabad)

It is often said that, 'Knowledge is power'. Although there has always been a debate on this matter, the importance of education cannot be denied. So let us understand why education is important to us.

Education helps us with many things, but most importantly, it empowers an individual to think, question, and see beyond the obvious. Human beings are born with a natural tendency to question. Education is the best way to satiate our curiosity, without extinguishing the burning desire to learn and explore more. Here are a few 'obvious' reasons for educating oneself.

Education broadens our horizon and gives us a better understanding of the world around us and how things work.

The world needs education, since it is the basis of a civilized, structured society.

Education helps people to think rationally and avoid illusions in life.

Education reduces social and economic disparity, allowing progress to be shared equally.

It gives scope for technical advancements in fields of science and technology.

Studies indicate that educated people have longer life expectancies. They tend to lead a healthier lifestyle by exercising more and playing more sports. Most of them understand the implications of diet and lifestyle on their health, enabling them to make healthy choices.

On an average, educated people have more meaningful and interesting jobs than those held by uneducated people. They are usually in a position to make decisions at work. This results in higher job satisfaction which leads to a better quality of life.

Educated people are found to have higher self-esteem. Their lives are mostly well-planned, and have a definite direction. They have better problem-solving skills and are consequently better equipped to handle everyday decisions.

Children of educated parents have access to better education facilities. These children have a higher cognitive development as compared to children of uneducated parents.

Educated people are better positioned to contribute positively to society, and even towards the environment, as they understand the implications of their choices and actions.

In developing countries, education is viewed as means to alleviate poverty and engineer social change. It isn't a magic pill for solving all the problems. But it can surely be a ladder to climb out of poverty, exclusion, ignorance, oppression, and war.

One may turn back the pages of history and reexamine primitive societies and their barbaric lives. It is the best way to realize the need of education. Many ineffective, modern educational systems have proved successful in opening people's eyes, but they have closed people's minds. It is very important to analyze needs and improvise the support system to ensure a better future for forthcoming generations. Its purpose should be to empower mind and soul, to achieve its full potential. Whether our systems achieve or hinder that purpose is another discussion.

 

Tayyaba Himmat
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