When Do You Leave The Classroom?

Education is important. It can make or break a society. There is evidence all over the world that when there is no form of organized education, the people are generally less advanced. It doesn't make them less intelligent, only unaware of things beyond their isolated culture. I am not a proponent of spreading democracy as a means for educating people. This notion has failed repeatedly, and usually turns out worse. People need to be taught where they are to help them better understand their own culture.

Americans are fortunate to have every resource available to mankind at their disposal, and also for free. We have the freedom to educate ourselves indefinitely, even after we complete the free teaching. There comes a point where education has to be applied. No matter how far you go, no matter what degrees you posess, it has to equal something unique and real. There has to be a time when we learn everything we can from our teachers, and become teachers ourselves. Whether you are teaching an apprentice how to use a tape measure, or imparting philosophy to a young scholar, the knowledge must be passed on. Individually, we should never lose our thirst for knowledge. Even if you aren't aware of what your mind is taking in, we will never stop learning. Deliberate, conscious input is preferable.

There are all kinds of classrooms. They can be found inside of buildings, outside in nature, and everywhere in between. Teachers are important, but we can teach ourselves more thoroughly alone. We can seek out the things we are interested in, and focus on those things in order to make the pieces come together to form a better defined knowledge base.

One thing I don't understand is the usefullness of listening to the same man speak every week. He may be full of charisma, knowledge and maybe even some wisdom to impart. Eventually though, he will begin to repeat himself. Most of us are content to remain under this man's teaching, but why? There has to be a graduation. There has to be a time where you figure out that his well is dry, and you will no longer learn anything from him. Multiple, revolving teachers are neccessary to perpetuate an influx of knowledge. We are responsible for applying what we learn, otherwise we are hoarding what we have learned.

There is an ironic twist concerning learned men in this country. Most of our elected are educated very well, yet they seem to lose that knowledge and the horse-sense that comes along with it. What happens to these men and women when they reach political office? It seems like they forget their degrees, and become content with bickering over figurative policy. None of it really benefits the masses. They merely use their education to get where they want in their careers. We probably all know that already. We all have to make a living somehow, even if our dishonesty and greed are the means.

We all have to decide when it is time to leave the classroom, and share what we learn with others. That is the most critical component of an educated society. We can only withdrawal so much before we have to make a deposit. If we don't, our society will cease advancement, and we will be left with a less promising future.