If asked, just about anyone will give a resounding, unequivocal answer of, yes. Absolutely, when education holds the key to success, what better weapon can one arm himself than with knowledge. Schooling seems like the best choice, as afterall, it combines learning and practical application perfectly in a risk free environment. But it would appear that as time moves on, post-secondary educational institutes have become more student-catering, grand-scale day cares then places of learning and culture. Student seeking a more “liberal” education are increasingly learning less about subjects that pertain to practical uses and increasingly on vague, general knowledge that can be learnt simply from reading books (or by just breathing and living). Afterall, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg never finished their schooling, and succeeded precisely because they dropped out.

How true is this notion? Complete fallacy. The fact that subjects in schools seem to become increasingly easier do not mean indicate the drop in the quality of post-secondary education, but rather the inceased quality of the student universities are receiving. Back when a research essay required students to browse tediously through the library, of course the quality could not be matched against today’s when students can access just about every available source just about anytime, anywhere. People like Steve Jobs could succeed regardless of dropping out or not, but for the many million of others, their university degrees built the foundation for their success.

Images courtesy of http://www.grad.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/promotion/front_page_promotions/yourfuture-applynow.jpg and http://images.psxextreme.com/wallpapers/ps3/ultimate_technology_1110.jpg, in order of precedence.