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I've done most of that in one form or another, with nothing but an unfinished high school education. Still am. Every time one of these threads comes along, I ge

I've done most of that in one form or another, with nothing but an unfinished high school education. Still am. Every time one of these threads comes along, I get the impression that Americans don't get to have a social/independent life until college. Is it really that way? I'm honestly curious. (I'm 21 and in Denmark, fwiw.)

RDDavies 16y ago
I think a lot of it is that here in America, we aren't exposed to many other intelligent thinkers, or many folks interested in much other than their homecoming date, or barely passing the SATs until we get to college. If I'd met just ONE person as inspiring as high school as the tens of them I did in college, I'd have had a significant head start.
nickpinkston 16y ago
I tend to think that intellectualism in America is the label on a box called college, this box is then traded to companies, without being opened, in exchange for the ability to buy a house, fill it with crap, and park a nice car out front... I think you're right actually. I actually had a lot of European friends in college because they were far less superficial than most American students. I think we're coming to a time in the US, and the perhaps the world, where smart / creative people can find each other and find their passions without needing much school. The industrial revolution brought us this system, but now we need something further evolved. I think FabLabs, the Khan Academy, Open Courseware, etc. are all part of this new genus of educational species.
IHaveASolution 16y ago
I went to college at 13 (I've graduated now, obviously), and essentially had to answer this question over and over. I went to college, without the getting drunk, without the frat (I did get to do original research, though), and without the getting laid (for the most part). I did it because I loved learning. I still do, but colleges are essentially bureaucratic hucksterism. So a lot people think I missed out -- on high school, college, everything. And I explain, I lead a pretty active life, and I got some awesome chances to do cool things. Now I can spend these years really _focusing_ on doing irresponsible and stupid things. Why is everyone such a punk about not being able to do cool things if you aren't enrolled in a degree-seeking program? (Also, I'm American, so all I can do is confirm people have exactly the same social dysfunction you think they do.)

RDDavies 16y ago

I think a lot of it is that here in America, we aren't exposed to many other intelligent thinkers, or many folks interested in much other than their homecoming date, or barely passing the SATs until we get to college. If I'd met just ONE person as inspiring as high school as the tens of them I did in college, I'd have had a significant head start.

nickpinkston 16y ago

I tend to think that intellectualism in America is the label on a box called college, this box is then traded to companies, without being opened, in exchange for the ability to buy a house, fill it with crap, and park a nice car out front... I think you're right actually. I actually had a lot of European friends in college because they were far less superficial than most American students. I think we're coming to a time in the US, and the perhaps the world, where smart / creative people can find each other and find their passions without needing much school. The industrial revolution brought us this system, but now we need something further evolved. I think FabLabs, the Khan Academy, Open Courseware, etc. are all part of this new genus of educational species.

IHaveASolution 16y ago

I went to college at 13 (I've graduated now, obviously), and essentially had to answer this question over and over. I went to college, without the getting drunk, without the frat (I did get to do original research, though), and without the getting laid (for the most part). I did it because I loved learning. I still do, but colleges are essentially bureaucratic hucksterism. So a lot people think I missed out -- on high school, college, everything. And I explain, I lead a pretty active life, and I got some awesome chances to do cool things. Now I can spend these years really _focusing_ on doing irresponsible and stupid things. Why is everyone such a punk about not being able to do cool things if you aren't enrolled in a degree-seeking program? (Also, I'm American, so all I can do is confirm people have exactly the same social dysfunction you think they do.)