hat is true education? Is it cramming the brains of our young ones with factual information? Or, make them acquire skills to carry out tasks that enable them to earn a living? Very often ‘Education’ and “All round development” are synonymously used. What exactly is “all round development”?
According to Swami Vivekananda “Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man”. How is this manifestation of the perfection already present in man brought out? How far are our modern day educational systems successful in developing our children into wholesome personalities that contribute to a harmonious, peaceful world?
What exactly should our teachers teach and what should our learnerslearn?ThefollowingextractfromaletterwrittenbyAbraham Lincoln to the Head Master of the school in which his children were studying throws ample light on these issues.
“They will have to learn. I know that all men are not true. But teach them also that for every scoundrel there is
a hero; that for every selfish politician, there is a
dedicated leader………. Teach them that for every
enemy there is a friend. It will take time, I know.
But teach them, if you can, that a dollar earned is
offarmorevaluethanfivefound…..Teachthemto
learn to lose and also to enjoy winning. Steer them
away from envy if you can. Teach them the secret of quiet laughter. . Let them learn that the bullies are the easiest to lick ……Teach them, if you can the wonder of books….. And also give them quiet time to ponder over the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on the green hill-side.
In school, teach them it is far more honourable to fail than to cheat ………. Teach them to have faith in their own ideas even if everyone tells them they are wrong ………. Teach them to be gentle with gentle people and tough with the tough. Try to give my children the strength not to follow the crowd when every one is getting on the band-wagon. Teach them to listen to all men, but teach them also to filter all they hear on the screen of truth and take only the good that comes through.
Teach them, if you can, how to laugh when they are sad…… Teach them there is no shame in tears. Teach them to scoff at cynics and beware of too much sweetness. Teach them to sell their brawn and brain to the highest bidder, but never to put a price-tag on their heart and soul. Teach them to close their ears to the howling mob…….. And to stand and fight if they are right”.
“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.”
~Chinese Proverb~