The Value of Education

[MatereF]

Education is meant to broaden your thinking and widen your scope of perspectives on different matters. Helps you come up with solutions to problems. But too bad some people reason like they never stepped the inside of a classroom.

I totally agree with you, education is meant to broaden the mind. I tend to think that those who reason in a questionable manner entered the classroom physically but did not take part actively in the learning process.

[Melea13]

Education and knowledge create doorways where none existed before. It is obvious the author felt strongly about showing how education can change circumstances for the better. The author is a prime example of the ripple effects of self-empowerment leading to empowerment of others.

[Bhaskins]

I think education is often denied to folks of color and is one of the things that people praise. The more you have the higher you can climb. I think it’s sad it has been/is that way.

[Gathoni1991]

Education is meant to broaden your thinking and widen your scope of perspectives on different matters. Helps you come up with solutions to problems. But too bad some people reason like they never stepped the inside of a classroom.

I totally agree with you, education is meant to broaden the mind. I tend to think that those who reason in a questionable manner entered the classroom physically but did not take part actively in the learning process.

Those that went to class, passed exams but never got an education. Sadly I often meet such kinds of people.

[Gathoni1991]

Education and knowledge create doorways where none existed before. It is obvious the author felt strongly about showing how education can change circumstances for the better. The author is a prime example of the ripple effects of self-empowerment leading to empowerment of others.

I like that. And it should serve as a challenge to those that do not see the importance of taking a child to school.

[DD129]

Education can be empowering, but also add unnecessary stress to being successful in anything you do. With college admissions standards as they are right now, students are putting more emphasis on competing against each other in the race to be recognized and accepted into good schools. But will all those awards and distinctions really make you happy?

I don't think this was the case for this book. Education was about empowerment and he tried to set himself apart- for the right reasons. When you're disadvantaged and know that the world won't be doing you any favors, you have to pave a path for yourself. His focus on his academic achievements was a way for him to show himself and others that you can overcome the odds that are stacked against you.

[Amina Yusuf]

Education is endless. The fact that the author focuses so much on it shows how important it is especially in the community he grew up in. I can relate to that also because girls in particular are neglected when it comes to education while boys are given more priority.

[Sonya Nicolaidis]

I think the author realized very early on in his life that he would achieve very little without a decent education and this made him focus so much of his efforts on being very well-read. If he was to set himself apart, he would have to demonstrate his ability to learn and achieve outstanding results. This realization itself was a defining moment for him.

[cassibear13]

I do think that the book had education on a pedestal of sorts, I think that the author is also making it clear how education can change your life.

[Nathan Berner]

Do you believe that the motivation behind the author's academic achievement was wholesome? Is it possible that he was motivated to attain academic success by his ego, and that he had an unhealthy relationship with success. Also, he was very involved in pursuing an education and becoming successful in an academic sense. Do you believe that this type of success is materialistic? If so, I feel like that would support the argument that the author pursued academic success to feed his ego. Or, is this type of success something more than that? Such as contributing to his own community? If so, then I feel like the author shared a meaningful message by encouraging others to believe in their academic careers.

[Aditi Sapate]

He did speak about education. But it seems to be merely from a school and college point of view. I think the real test of our education is the values we learn and the kind of person we become.

[aolayide]

That's very true, education opens up our minds and changes the way we see things.

You are right on point! Without education, he would not have been where he is now.

[Juliana_Isabella]

I think his discussion of education were warranted given the historic barriers to education for black individuals. I think this contributed to the overall theme of him overcoming barriers.

[danielleamy]

From the sample alone, it looks as though education is important to the author. Perhaps this will inspire others to reach for their own goals when it comes to their life choices

[Brendan Donaghy]

He did speak about education. But it seems to be merely from a school and college point of view. I think the real test of our education is the values we learn and the kind of person we become.

You make an interesting point. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if a good education is enough to guarantee that someone will end up with an open mind. In my experience, it is quite possible to be well-educated and yet still be a bigot.