Antiquated Educational System?

I have friends and family that are big successes in [small ] businesses. One, Tom, I met one day because I was standing nearby when [we were in high school] somebody dared him to set off the fire alarm. I did not think anybody would do that but he disappears around a corner and next thing I know the alarm is going off and I am running for the hinterlands because I do not want to take the blame. He now lives in a gate guarded community on a private lake. My younger brother was absolutely incorrigable in school, hated all the authorities and believed nothing they ever said. He retired at 40. That's just the way it is, some kids will sit quietly and read a book and other ones will tear up the house.
 
Education's goal, since the early part of the 20th century (and probably before) has been much more about "citizenship" than teaching people any sort of realistic approach to dealing with the world.

"Citizenship" is a catch-phrase for teaching people to conform. The LAST thing any society, government, or religion wants is strong, independant thinkers. Such people are very difficult to control, or rally around some nonsensical political crusade.
 
Quote from trader56:

Education's goal, since the early part of the 20th century (and probably before) has been much more about "citizenship" than teaching people any sort of realistic approach to dealing with the world.

"Citizenship" is a catch-phrase for teaching people to conform. The LAST thing any society, government, or religion wants is strong, independant thinkers. Such people are very difficult to control, or rally around some nonsensical political crusade.

"THE SOVEREIGN INDIVIDUAL"excellent book on the subject.
 
Quote from Steve Tvardek:

I just finished reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad" after a recommendation from a friend last weekend (yes, I know its been out for awhile).

Anyways it never occurred to me just how out of date our educational system is. I think back to my school years (1985-2001), what I've learned and what lessons teachers tried to instill in my mind and its very obvious to me now that their advice wasn't all that great for this new era we live in. It seems schooling prepares us to be good solid emploYEES but hardly ever talks about how to become great emploYERS (which is where the real $$$ it at!). Maybe 30+ years ago, the right thing to do was to get a good job w/ a good company w/ solid benefits but I would disagree that this is the right thing to do anymore. There are just too many entrepreneurial opportunities these days to take advantage of.

Plus there is never any talk in school about how to be financially responsible. I guess thats one reason most Americans are always in debt of some kind and can never seem to escape. Most Americans work for money but have no idea how to have their money work for them. They work for income, buy a house, eventually get a raise, have kids/buy a bigger house/cars/schools etc incurring more debt and get caught in the so called "rat race". They are making more and more money but their expenses (and taxes) keep going up in proportion. Its a sad way to live as far as I'm concerned.

Anyways, just curious what everyones take is on this matter? I've only spent 1 year in corporate America and was fortunate to learn about trading from a coworker (while we should have been working) which ignited my passion for trading. I can see, though, just how easy it could be to get "trapped" like most Americans are and I cant help but think more people could be free if they had only been better educated about the options that are out there now.

I agree our school sytem is not effective & is wasting lots of money & time.

Be careful with "Rich Dad Poor Dad" which is very likely to be a not true story:
http://www.johntreed.com/Kiyosaki.html
 
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