3 ms·

Theoretically, perhaps, empirically, it is quite unnatural, and therefore unusual, for a young pre- and post-puberty person to be interested in writing, mathema

Theoretically, perhaps, empirically, it is quite unnatural, and therefore unusual, for a young pre- and post-puberty person to be interested in writing, mathematics, literature, physics, taxes, technical drawing, and all the subjects that are taught in school. So, not only do you have to be interested, but you also have to have a fair amount of talent to get something out of your many years of schooling. In some societies, that ambition, when not "natural," is acquired by proxy from parents, accompanied, sometimes, with a dose of self-hatred, stunted growth, and poor social skills' development. A valuable trade-off for some.

balderdash 3y ago
I'm not sure I follow or are we saying the same thing? I totally agree that what's taught in school is not typically of natural interest to many teens/pre-teens, but what's the alternative?
- borroka 3y ago
  The unpopular, but, in my opinion, best alternative is to reduce the hours/years of mandatory schooling. But many are not ready to admit that going to school, after certain minimum targets are reached, is a waste of time for many, from a purely educational point of view. Consider this: if achieving some greater than minimum educational targets was considered by "society", or people who did not get those higher than minimum target themselves, something to aspire to, something that would make a difference in one's life (after accounting for "ambition", inclinations, and intellectual talent), why there are almost zero viable opportunities (and interest!) for adults to make up for lost ground or opportunities? Some may say, "it is because they have families, less time, work etc.". But how many spend hours upon hours watching football or drinking with their besties or buddies talking about nothing at all? It is all quite hypocritical. Yes, "society" says that school is good, important, necessary for a fulfilling life, but in practice it is not considered to be so, after mandatory schooling is over. Let's get rid of this intolerable hypocrisy and let people follow their inclinations.

balderdash 3y ago

I'm not sure I follow or are we saying the same thing? I totally agree that what's taught in school is not typically of natural interest to many teens/pre-teens, but what's the alternative?

borroka 3y ago
The unpopular, but, in my opinion, best alternative is to reduce the hours/years of mandatory schooling. But many are not ready to admit that going to school, after certain minimum targets are reached, is a waste of time for many, from a purely educational point of view. Consider this: if achieving some greater than minimum educational targets was considered by "society", or people who did not get those higher than minimum target themselves, something to aspire to, something that would make a difference in one's life (after accounting for "ambition", inclinations, and intellectual talent), why there are almost zero viable opportunities (and interest!) for adults to make up for lost ground or opportunities? Some may say, "it is because they have families, less time, work etc.". But how many spend hours upon hours watching football or drinking with their besties or buddies talking about nothing at all? It is all quite hypocritical. Yes, "society" says that school is good, important, necessary for a fulfilling life, but in practice it is not considered to be so, after mandatory schooling is over. Let's get rid of this intolerable hypocrisy and let people follow their inclinations.