The human race has made huge advancements in the past 7 million years. From being cave dwelling Neanderthals to now being jet-setting futurists, we have come a long way. Today, as we gear up to become a planet of 9 billion people, are we doing better than what was thousands of years ago? Child labor, starvation and disease are still rampant which is limiting development.
But the one essential element that separates us from the dumb, that helps create better societies, develop virtues and gives us a sense of freedom—education—has never been more crucial. And many around the world do not have it.
The classic definition of education is “the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.” However, that’s not the only way to educate yourself. In fact, there are lots of opportunities for continuous learning out in the world-whenever you’re ready. Read on to learn more about how you can make education part of your life in different ways, including how it ensures your own personal development benefits. It would also be great if you found a way to apply your knowledge and skills to help those who are less privileged than you.
1. Education spreads awareness
Blind faith and superstitions obstruct society. They lead people astray and still make more harm than good. Education helps us question, gives us an analytical mind, and helps us reject superstitions. An educated mind asks why behind all actions and fights for logic and science.
2. It helps us stand up against wrong and for the right
Education lowers the crime rate. That’s because educated people can tell the difference between what’s right and wrong, which research has shown can reduce the U.S. costs for crime by up to $1.4 billion per year if you give all men aged 20-60 a high school education increase by just 1%.
Educated people are more likely to differentiate between what’s right and what’s wrong. In doing so, they’re less likely to participate in criminal activities, which keeps the crime rate low. Increasing the high school completion rate by just 1 percent for all men ages 20-60 would save the U.S. up to $1.4 billion per year in reduced costs from crime; this is also true for other regions across the world.
3. It helps progress
Opening up new opportunities for greater success is important, especially today where technology and education are two of the most important factors. With this in mind, better education should be pursued.
4. It gives us a healthier lifestyle
Better educated people tend to live longer and have better lifestyles. For example, research in central European OECD countries has shown that a 30-year-old man with a tertiary education can expect to live eight years longer than a non-educated man. On the other hand, for women vs. women without an upper secondary education, there’s an eight-year difference between them too.
5. Helps us to be more productive
The more degrees you have, the better off you’ll be economically. Education is deeply connected to your productivity, and in this age of competition, education is what will help you succeed. An industry or nation that thrives based on its educational successes is one that’s thriving overall.
6. It helps us connect across borders
Digital education has opened up so many opportunities. Especially with the ability to connect and communicate across borders, educators around the world have been able to come together and inspire students of all ages. Take a professor in America who might teach a student in Afghanistan to study and explore the world as an example. This will inspire the student to help herself to lead a better life, which can help her generation after her do the same.
Digital education has opened a lot of doors and given students opportunities they would not have otherwise. Education has allowed students who live across the world to connect, communicate, and work together to build a better future. Educators in America have inspired Afghan students to study and expand their horizons, helping them and generations after them lead better lives.
7. It gives empowerment
Education makes us stronger and helps improve our decision making. It allows us to bounce back from tough situations and provides better opportunity for social mobility. In many countries where women are subjected to gender bias, education has helped them stand up against marital violence, improve their decision making abilities, and take charge of their own lives.
To quote Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, “one child and one teacher can change the world with just a book. Education is the only solution.”
Table of Contents
