The most important goal of education is to teach people how to educate themselves.

The most important goal of education is to teach people how to educate themselves.

There is an adage that “It is never too late to learn.” The reason that people regard education as a lifelong project is to pursue an orderly and happy life. In my opinion, the aim of education is to help people live such a life. In other words, shaping a healthy personality, teaching knowledge and social skills, and making people self-educated are three important goals of education.

To make sure that people live in a well-developed society, education should aim at cultivating a healthy personality. A healthy personality refers to the ability to love, a sense of responsibility, and good judgment. Love connects everyone in society. The sense of responsibility maximizes the utility of social resources. And good judgement provides society with strategies for sustainable development. The community where I live is a good example. Last month, our city was on a lockdown because new COVID cases were reported. Since we were unable to go out, we ordered food online. Some young people in my neighborhood ordered food for people who couldn’t access the internet. A girl majoring in psychology offered online counseling to help everyone maintain a smooth mood. Thanks to their help, two weeks of lockdown ended orderly.

Knowledge and skills are essential for self-development. Learning science knowledge, such as mathematics and physics, allows us to know exactly how the world goes. The use of calculus and the invention of the steam-engine, for example, made navigation possible so that people could explore the world by sailing. Knowledge of the arts, such as literature and language, transcending time and space, opens up a world of imagination to us. Besides knowledge, vocational skills such as computer skills and negotiation skills are necessary for career development as well.

Last but not least, the ability to self-educate is also important. Finishing parenting and schooling does not mean the end of learning. Unlike at home or at school, however, the guide is ourselves.

To sum up, in order to create an orderly and happy life condition, education should aim for a healthy personality, theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to self-educate.