What is the purpose of education anyways?
One would say the art of ‘knowing’ is a great resource, and this, in no way, would be wrong. A deep understanding of mathematics can help us in turn grasp the fundamental structures underlying the digital age; mastery of basic concepts of statistics can help us resist similarly basic pseudo-statistical deception. Similarly, knowing the basis of modern Physics and Biology will equip us well for the rapid scientific development that characterizes the future from now. On the other hand, the appreciation of literature and proficiency in writing, as well as a grasp of the History of the United states, its many blunders, and the world around us, will prepare us to apply for leadership, take leadership, make decisions, and, ultimately, enjoy life.
However, mastering all these facets, however beneficial is not necessary. A scientist need not understand past impacts of similar discoveries, nor a writer understand the science he criticizes. More so, one need not understand neither side; one can live well enough in complete ignorance of both arts and sciences (Trump 2016).
Thus, while I’ve learned much through my classes and experiences this year, none alone can match the impact of their indirect combination: a very busy year. Between Robotics, in which we competed in BEST and FRC, Science Olympiad, in which I competed in Fossils, Fermi Questions, and Experimental Design, Various Olympiads – Physics, Chemistry, and Math, the dreaded SAT, and of course the course load of my classes, I may well have been crushed to death by this work load. Thus, in the end, I would call myself much improved by this experience; now, I will be far better prepared for any rigors life can summon.
Naturally, as an intellectual, I value the sum of all knowledge learned this year – Engineering, Math, Physics, Biology, US History, and English – as of far more importance than a mere increased resistance to stress. But, individually, the benefits of no class, club, or competition can surpass this importance. This, however, raises an important question: for each activity, is the value of learning to deal with stress, scaled by the relative stress of that activity in how it contributed to the net total of the year, still greater than the value of the raw knowledge and understanding gained through a course?
With this consideration, yes, the act of learning pulls through. Especially in English, the amount of coursework gained cannot compare to the benefits of greater understanding of literature and writing; after all, the value of BS-ing – or maybe even, as a bonus, writing legitimately – an essay as quickly as possible cannot be understated.
Finally, one might ask, why does this even matter? I am literally comparing the benefits of coursework in one aspect to that of another; they both add to the value of a good high school education. As such, was this worth it?
Absolutely.
The Year of this Blog in Review:
Longest 5 Posts (words): 1159, 1101, 727, 679, 663
Contrived:Real:Troll :: 17:10:3
% BS: 58.6%
The thing about ‘random’ blog posts is that more often than not, they do not align with one’s interests. Well, I did put down BS-ing an essay as quickly as possible as a strength.
The Null Alephant 