The Value of Education

Use this forum to discuss the July 2019 Book of the month, "Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" by Dr Frank L Douglas.
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Kristy Khem
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The Value of Education

Post by Kristy Khem »

The author seems to value education very much!

He wrote about how empowered he felt when he learned his father was a lawyer. He once mentioned that Auntie Gertrude showed him off to her customers because he was a 'bright boy'. He also stated that he achieved A's in every subject, he was offered free lessons because he was a promising student, and he topped the country in his exams. He even won a scholarship. In one instance, he voiced his discontent at not being recognized for placing in the top three at the Special Assembly.

Do you think there was a big focus on education? And do you think did the author wanted to set himself apart from others in his life by focusing so much on his academic achievements?
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Post by Stephanie Elizabeth »

KristyKhem wrote: 02 Jul 2019, 21:07 The author seems to value education very much!

He wrote about how empowered he felt when he learned his father was a lawyer. He once mentioned that Auntie Gertrude showed him off to her customers because he was a 'bright boy'. He also stated that he achieved A's in every subject, he was offered free lessons because he was a promising student, and he topped the country in his exams. He even won a scholarship. In one instance, he voiced his discontent at not being recognized for placing in the top three at the Special Assembly.

Do you think there was a big focus on education? And do you think did the author wanted to set himself apart from others in his life by focusing so much on his academic achievements?
The book was definitely focused on education and I think the author really wanted readers to see the importance of being educated. He worked hard to achieve success and maybe he wanted to toot his own horn a little bit, but I think it is warranted as he had many obstacles to overcome.
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Renu G
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Post by Renu G »

I do feel that the author treasured the opportunity to study further. Education uplifts not only the individual but the entire community.
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Post by MatereF »

That's very true, education opens up our minds and changes the way we see things.
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Post by Brenda Creech »

There was definitely an emphasis on education. I think the author focused on his academic achievements to inspire others more than to set himself apart. Knowing how hard it is to overcome obstacles in life I think he wanted others to see that regardless of those obstacles if you find something you are good at, and really apply yourself to doing it to the best of your ability, you can overcome anything. He realized the importance of education and wanted others to see it too.
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Post by WaryReader »

Definitely! Education is a powerful tool. Sooner or later, if you're an intelligent person, people will have to respect you at least a little bit, despite their own prejudices. :techie-studyingbrown:
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Post by Mbrooks2518 »

I've only read the Amazon sample, but it was obvious just from that how much he valued education.
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Lisa A Rayburn
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Post by Lisa A Rayburn »

I think there was a definite focus on education. The author seemed to want to show readers that dedication toward education (or anything else) can open many doors to opportunity and success.
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Post by ChaosofaMadHatter »

The book definitely seemed to portray education as being a key stepping stone to achieving more and doing more, including inspiring others.
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Post by briellejee »

One who is born with privilege seldom sees its true worth. The author, on the other hand, was born without it so he valued it more than anyone else. I think the focus on education reflects how the author values and loves it at the same time. It is inspiring that others who don't ahve the same privilege will strive more to achieve their own dreams as well.
"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost"
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Post by briellejee »

Renu G wrote: 03 Jul 2019, 12:03 Education uplifts not only the individual but the entire community.
Ah, I like this quote since it rings true, especially in the research and scientific community. :techie-studyinggray:
"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost"
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Post by BrittaniDJ »

I got the impression from reading the sample of this book, that education was important as an opportunity provider - gateway to a broader world. I also felt as though 'medals' - grades, social status, self-motivation, were a higher focus than what the good doctor learned or how he was taught in school. What he learned came out more in his day to day interactions with the world, rather than in the classroom. I realize this man grew up in a different country and in a different time period of education, but I do have higher hopes for education than simply grades achievement.
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Post by Wambui-nj »

I tend to think that a person can identify his/her strength early in life and pursue it wholeheartedly. The author knew education was his greatest strength and he geared all his efforts towards it in order to succeed.
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Post by Ferdinand_Otieno »

KristyKhem wrote: 02 Jul 2019, 21:07 The author seems to value education very much!

He wrote about how empowered he felt when he learned his father was a lawyer. He once mentioned that Auntie Gertrude showed him off to her customers because he was a 'bright boy'. He also stated that he achieved A's in every subject, he was offered free lessons because he was a promising student, and he topped the country in his exams. He even won a scholarship. In one instance, he voiced his discontent at not being recognized for placing in the top three at the Special Assembly.

Do you think there was a big focus on education? And do you think did the author wanted to set himself apart from others in his life by focusing so much on his academic achievements?
Yes, I do think there is a big focus on education and those who excel in it. This ultimately led the author to be at his best and as it luckily turned out, his best was more than enough to get him recognition and distinction.
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Post by Joytoo97 »

I think the author is just trying to show a culture of his background and how education is a big deal. I can totally relate as where I come from you are counted as an important person depending on how learned you are.
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