The True Essence of Education: Beyond Degrees and Marks

While formal education isn't a must for achieving success in life, it provides individuals with essential skills and knowledge. Success is determined by a multitude of factors, not solely by the absence or presence of a degree. Personal characteristics, access to opportunities, and, more importantly, real-life education, play a significant role.

What is True Education?

True education goes beyond accumulating a plethora of information, degrees, or marks. It involves:

Living a Meaningful Life: Embracing a calm and happy existence and fostering an environment where others can also find happiness. Smart Decision-Making: Taking decisions smartly, wisely, and effectively. Living by Values: Understanding the difference between right and wrong and having the courage to deal with life's worst situations.

There is a saying in Assamese that underscores this concept: a person can be educated in three ways - experience, literature, and the wisdom gleaned from personal interactions and the written word.

Types of Education

True education can be acquired through three primary avenues:

Experience: This is often the toughest but most effective lesson, learned by reflecting on the lives and mistakes of others. It requires extensive travel and meeting a multitude of people to gain insight and understanding. Literature: The collective wisdom of scholars, preserved in the form of books that carry religious and scientific knowledge. Real-Life Education: Techniques to survive emotionally and physically, which are essential for a fulfilling life.

While education itself provides limited knowledge and instills specific virtues such as manners, justice, and fears, it is knowledge that truly transforms your mindset. Knowledge offers freedom, enabling you to understand the true purpose of life. Conversely, education often results in a dependence on misunderstood values that may restrict one's true potential.

The Role of True Knowledge in Life

Real-life experience is crucial for making informed decisions and navigating life. While the knowledge contained in books is valuable, it alone is insufficient. For instance, if asked what education should aim to do, the ultimate goal is to apply what one has learned in real life. Practical application is the true essence of education.

Here are two fundamental facts to be aware of:

You are an insignificant part of the universe: Remember, you are just one out of 7 billion. You could die any moment: This awareness should aid in making better decisions, living better, learning more, and striving towards significance.

Understanding these facts can help change your perspective and prioritize your life's actions, making you more aware of your mortality and the need to live a fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Education and true knowledge are vital, but they serve different purposes. Education provides structured learning and specific skills, while real-life experience and knowledge provide the flexibility and freedom to adapt to various situations. Both are essential for a well-rounded life, ensuring that individuals lead meaningful and fulfilling existence.