Education is an event that all kids and adults go through. So much of what we think, both in education and society writ large, is about preparing us for the future. However, have you ever taken this idea: “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself”? It seems a little complicated at first, but this idea actually holds all the meaning and wisdom that we ever need, so let’s discuss more about what it is really.
What is Education?
To realize why education is crucial, we first must understand what schooling is. Education is not a matter of going to school and reading books on it. It encompasses all we do to understand new information.
We get educated when we listen to our teacher, read some book, play a game, or maybe even talk with friends. It is something that occurs every day and it is the thing that makes us smarter, and stronger.
Education is Everywhere
This quote by John Dewey which says” Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself”, educates us that learning does not occur only because we need to prepare ourselves to reach the future.
Rather, we have experienced learners from Sun up to its own that have a significantly large influence on life circumstances. Each time we learn something new, we get to experience life in the full spectrum.
Regardless of whether what we are learning is quantitative (like trying to solve the previous abstract example), or physical in the application, like tying a shoelace for instance, they all count as pieces that help make up our education.
Learning Through Play
Discovery through play is some of the best learning fun there can be. Playing video games is a learning experience, not just fun. When we play with blocks, for example, is when we learn about shapes and balance – to a small extent even problem-solving.
Playing with other children teaches us to share, take turns, and collaborate on tasks. Each of these is a lesson that makes up our education, and those are things we grow better with as we mature.
Learning at Home
Learning does not just occur in books and at school. We learn a lot at home, too! We are learning about measuring, following directions sometimes ( and patience) from helping our parents to cook.
We learn new words, and ideas and how to use our imagination by reading a bedtime story. Those moments at home are equally as important because they show us how to view the world.
The Delight of Finding Something New
It always feels like finding something new out — like a small secret we unlock about the world. From finding out why the sky is blue to learning how to ride a bike, everything we have ever learned has contributed something towards our vast knowledge base and experience that makes life more intriguing in all perhaps.
This is why education cannot be simply a preparation for something else, an adventure that we undertake every single day. Every discovery makes us more curious and willing to learn new facts.
Education is About Growing
As we stretch, and read about new things (life lessons), just like a tree grows taller, etc. Education makes us grow, not just in our minds but also within our hearts. We still grow in knowing the world as it is when we learn how it got that way. Through learning science, we help us to improve our thinking and problem-solving powers.
When we are taught to be kind and share, that is how we grow into good friends; and caring people. That growth is why education equals life.
Learning from Mistakes
When we are learning something, sometimes the process involves mistakes. It is, but brewing mistakes is also a form of education! But when we make mistakes, it ensures us that this is what we should not do in the future and be perfect next time.
The next time we do it right, say with a word when spelled d wrong. Mistakes are okay, they just simply the way where life gives us a good lesson.
Learning to be Independent
It is also a path that helps us to be more self-reliant as we learn. Independence means doing things for ourselves (like putting on our clothes, tying shoes, or making a sandwich! Schools teach us how to self-care and make sensible decisions.
Because it is what makes us stronger, more confident, and prepared for new challenges in life.
Learning to Work with Others
However, while independence is key you should still have the skill to work with others. All of us in our lives must collaborate with our colleagues, mates, and family members. We learn how to talk, work, and think together from an early age thanks to schooling.
What Those Skills Are (Good for helping us forge strong relationships and get things done we can’t accomplish alone)
Learning Never Stops
The idea that “Education is life itself” also reasons in our mind that learning never ends. We are even learning things every day when we grow up as well and not just in school.
That could be new job skills, learning to cook a meal or two differently, or picking up painting as an interest among other things. We learn throughout our lives and it is in learning that we continue to grow, and live life fully.
Education Shapes Who We Are
Education is the vehicle by which we learn; it molds us. Some of the things it can help us to develop our identity, and grow interest and values. For instance, if we read a ton of facts about animals, that could pique our interest in taking care of pets or even doing animal surgery when we grow up.
Maybe, if we take lessons on helping the needy from there then probably in our lives will transform into volunteer-type person and start contributing to making this world more beautiful. It leads us to the realization of what we are passionate about, and it helps us transform into a better self.
Education is a Journey
There beyond life’s brief journey, lies the real destination of education — Education is not just about arriving somewhere or having something done. Every single day is a journey.
Finding unending challenges and adventures throughout this journey. We discover things about ourselves, those around us, and the world we live in. The learning journey is the quality of life.
Being Learned to be Kind and Merciful
Through education, we learn the most important thing is how to care for and understand each other. We learn to listen, share, and help when needed.
Such lessons are every bit as critical to learning as math or reading because they teach us how to be a person. We learn through education that kindness is the cornerstone of a joyful and successful life.
Conclusion: Education is Life
When we say ‘Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself,’ what we really mean to convey is that learning isn’t a preparatory stage but an inherent part of existence.
Anybody Can Do It, And That’s The Beauty Of Life. It is an education that helps us to grow, know more about the world and people around us, and make friends for life which helps us in achieving our dreams.
These moments, which at times drag on an excruciatingly slow pace of uncovering our truths — are the time in life where we truly live. So have a happy journey of education and remember that it is not just the preparation, but life itself.
