The True Purpose of Real Education: Revolutionary, Not Obedient
Education has long been seen as a tool to liberate human potential, yet it is often turned into a means of control. When we examine the current educational structures, especially in India, the lingering shadows of colonialism still define much of the system. This is problematic, as education should never look backward, but rather, it should propel societies into the future. Nature has provided us with eyes in the front of our heads, not in the back. This simple anatomical fact implies that human beings are meant to move forward, to embrace progress and evolution.
India’s education system, unfortunately, remains a relic of the British colonial era. It was designed not to inspire creativity or independent thinking, but to churn out clerks and subservient workers who could serve the empire’s administrative needs. In today’s context, even though the colonial rulers are long gone, the system persists, and those in power continue to perpetuate it. They too seem to prefer obedient followers, not freethinking individuals who might challenge the status quo. But real education cannot be content with such stagnation.
No one wants the truth to be spoken, and herein lies the great tragedy of modern education. Rather than fostering minds that are capable of constructing a better future, we see a system that thrives on exploiting the past. Genuine progress, the kind that envisions and builds a better tomorrow, seems of little interest to those who hold the reins of power. Instead, they prefer to hold onto the remnants of a decaying order, one that benefits only a few and keeps the majority in a mental straitjacket.
Education Should Serve Humanity, Not the State
One of the most troubling aspects of contemporary education is its close ties with government control. Rather than fostering independent thought, the system is often designed to serve the needs of the state. But this is not the purpose of true education. Education should serve the evolving needs of the individual and, by extension, humanity as a whole. It should not be about producing obedient citizens but about nurturing thinkers, innovators, and visionaries who can guide society forward.
Human beings possess bodies, and yet, education does very little to cultivate physical health and vitality. The body, like the mind, can be trained to be powerful, healthy, and youthful. Yet, physical education in most academic curricula is an afterthought. No one seems concerned about the development of a strong and capable body. Similarly, the mind is often neglected. While there is some focus on mental development, it is generally limited to ensuring that individuals can serve the needs of those in power.
This is a travesty because the mind should be cultivated not for servitude but for clarity, sharpness, and intelligence. A truly educated mind is one that questions, that refuses to accept mediocrity, that seeks to understand and improve the world. But such minds are dangerous to the existing order. People in power do not want intelligent, critical thinkers. They prefer followers who will blindly accept whatever narrative is fed to them. True education must be revolutionary in that it equips individuals with the strength to say “yes” or “no” based on their understanding and principles, not on fear or submission.
The Threat of Intelligence: A Personal Story
There is an interesting story that illustrates just how dangerous intelligence can be to those in power. Some years ago, the government of Uruguay offered me permanent residency. They were even willing to grant me citizenship, recognizing that I could contribute to their society. However, just as the final papers were being signed, the president of Uruguay received a message from the American government. The message was clear: within thirty-six hours, I had to leave Uruguay. The reason given was not that I had committed any crime or violated any laws. No, the reason was far more revealing: I was deemed “too intelligent.”
According to the American authorities, my presence in Uruguay posed a threat because my ideas might influence the minds of the younger generation. They feared that I would “destroy their religion and their past,” and that the political parties that relied on these old structures would eventually collapse. The warning was so serious that the American president’s secretary kept calling the Uruguayan president every hour, asking if I had left yet.
I spoke to the president of Uruguay and assured him that I would leave voluntarily within the given time. I told him that this incident was not an insult to me, but rather to his country. The American government’s actions were a compliment to me; they were an acknowledgment of the power of independent thinking. If intelligence is dangerous, then every government that seeks to control its people will always want its citizens to remain mentally handicapped. A population of mentally handicapped people is easy to govern because they do not question authority.
The Real Revolution in Education
What we need, therefore, is an education system that is not subservient to the government or to any political or religious ideology. Education should be about unlocking the full potential of human beings, not about turning them into obedient workers or followers. Real education is revolutionary because it encourages people to think for themselves, to question the status quo, and to envision a better future.
This kind of education is not easy to implement because it challenges the very foundations of most societies. It requires a shift in focus, from rote learning and memorization to critical thinking and creativity. It demands that we value the development of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—rather than simply preparing students to enter the workforce. Such an education would teach individuals to be strong, healthy, and intelligent, capable of shaping their own destinies rather than merely following the paths laid out for them.
In conclusion, real education must be focused on the future, not the past. It must serve the needs of humanity, not the state. It must cultivate independent thinkers who are capable of building a better world. This is the revolution that we need in education. Anything less is a betrayal of the human potential.
FAQs
What is wrong with India’s current education system?
India’s current education system is a remnant of British colonial rule, designed to produce obedient clerks rather than independent thinkers. It emphasizes rote learning over creativity and critical thinking.
Why is education considered revolutionary?
Education is revolutionary when it empowers individuals to think for themselves, question the status quo, and envision a better future. It challenges the existing order by promoting independent thought.
How does current education fail the human body and mind?
Current education systems neglect the physical development of individuals and focus more on preparing them to serve the needs of those in power. The body and mind are not nurtured to reach their full potential in terms of health, vitality, and intelligence.
Why do governments fear intelligent people?
Governments often fear intelligent people because they challenge authority, question outdated ideologies, and refuse to follow blindly. Independent thinkers are seen as threats to the stability of the existing order.
What should be the true goal of education?
The true goal of education should be to unlock the full potential of individuals, nurturing their physical, mental, and emotional capacities. It should prepare them to contribute positively to society and to live fulfilling, independent lives.
How can the education system be reformed?
Education reform should focus on encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and personal development. It should move away from rote learning and standardized testing, and instead, foster a love for learning and exploration.
