Notice that the majority of top politicians and business leaders still come from the educated class, the rare exception is the true (or quasi-) populist like Sarah Palin.

In point of fact most people use very little of what they learn in school. When was the last time that the typical person needed algebra, or chemistry in their work or daily life?

That's why I emphasized the importance of John Dewey's ideas. By working on the process of self learning people can become equipped to deal with the new things they face during their lives. This is also important if one is to be a thinking citizen in a democracy.

The proof that most of what is taught in school is useless can be seen in the TV show "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?" where contestants have to answer questions based upon material in first to fifth grade classes. They are helped in their efforts by actual fifth graders, who tend to know more of the answers.

Is it important that you remember the names of the moons of Mars?

Of course much of education is aimed at training docile workers and easily led consumers, but this doesn't happen if parents demand more. They don't because they don't demand more out of life for themselves, so see no need for their children.

Politicians are always expressing concern that families be able live a comfortable (material) life with a good job and health and retirement security. They never discuss leading a fulfilling life or a creative one. There's no demand.

This is one of my continual themes when I discuss (repeatedly!) the need to transition from a "stuff" based society to a sustainable one based upon other goals - like more community involvement, sports, arts, etc.

I realized yesterday that one can spend hours per day perfecting one's skills at a musical instrument and spend no money at all. Obviously this presents a threat to a society based upon planned obsolescence.

I think I'll take up some of your concerns when I revise my essay for inclusion on my web site.

Policies not Politics
---- Daily Landscape