We begin our educational journey at the age of five, devoting nearly two decades to school and college until we reach our mid-twenties. But have you ever paused to question what we truly gain from this long process of education beyond a mere degree? Have we developed good character? Have we been taught the principles of kindness and compassion? Have we learned to harness the immense power of our thoughts? Have we discovered peace and the art of understanding our own mind?

If we honestly ponder these questions, we may find unsettling answers. What, then, have we truly achieved? What is the purpose of a degree if it fails to shape us into better human beings? On what grounds do we call ourselves educated?

Let’s evaluate what we actually received. We learned historical facts we rarely use, memorized mathematical formulas we seldom apply, acquired basic English communication skills, and, unfortunately, often learned to belittle others in pursuit of personal success. This education system has given us a singular, flawed goal: to earn as much money as possible, even if it means compromising our integrity. Our degrees have become mere stepping stones in this materialistic pursuit.

The Flaws in Our Education System

If this education were truly enriching, why do so many wealthy individuals grapple with depression and emptiness? Why do people resort to deceit and cruelty in the race for success and wealth? Why does humanity stoop to unimaginable lows, shedding blood and destroying relationships for material gains?

This system has failed us. It has created beings who are robotic, consumed by a cycle of eating, working, and chasing shallow desires, devoid of higher purpose or humanity. Our education, instead of enlightening us, has rendered us as mechanical as the tools we use.

The True Purpose of Education

Education, at its core, should serve one grand purpose: to help us become truly human. As the Bible reminds us, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?” Similarly, Buddha said, “Do good and become good.” The ultimate aim of education should be to inspire us to lead lives of goodness, compassion, and noble thought, eradicating the evil within us.

But how do we achieve this lofty goal?

Three Pillars of True Education

To fulfill the true purpose of education, we must focus on three essential pillars: great books, thoughtfulness, behaviour and meditation.

1. Great books

Great books hold the treasure of humanity’s wisdom. For instance, Buddha’s teachings are found in the Dhammapada, Jesus’s wisdom in the Bible, and Confucius’s ideas in his Analects.

But why do we remain blind to this treasure? Why do we value material wealth over timeless wisdom? The answer lies in our misplaced priorities. We have set materialistic goals—money, position, and power—and shaped a curriculum to match them.

A materialistic education can provide comfort but cannot make us truly human. Despite modern luxuries, we feel restless and enslaved by desires. This education has turned us into robots, chasing money and status.

Real education should begin with great ideas. Schools must include teachings from Buddha, Confucius, Socrates, and others in their syllabus. Each great idea, like a drop of water in the ocean, can elevate humanity.

2. Thinking

Books provide knowledge, but thinking gives it meaning. As Buddha said, “Do not believe anything simply because it is said by a great person. Test it through your experience.”

Mindless acceptance of ideas turns us into parrots. True education demands logical analysis and thoughtful reflection.

For instance, Manusmriti classifies humans into castes, claiming some are superior and others inferior. But how can caste define a human being?

Blindly following such ideas has caused injustice and suffering. We must question and contemplate whatever we read. Only then will we become intelligent, thoughtful individuals.

3. Behavior

Knowledge and thought are incomplete without action. If we know that kindness, love, and goodness are essential but fail to practice them, our education is hollow.

As Buddha said, “One who listens to a little Dhamma and applies it in life is better than one who hears a lot but does not practice.” Knowledge becomes wisdom only when it is applied.

4. Meditation

The first three elements—great books, thinking, and virtuous behavior—can transform the outer world. But to enlighten the inner world, meditation is key.

Meditation means becoming aware of our thoughts and emotions, purifying the mind, and freeing ourselves from attachment and aversion.

From my personal experience, the mind is like a mischievous monkey, constantly creating thoughts of anger, lust, and worry. Even when life is good, these thoughts disturb our peace and push us into actions we later regret.

Through meditation, we can observe and control our thoughts. At first, the mind resists, distracting us with memories, fantasies, or desires. But with practice, it calms down, and we reach a state of awareness.

Teaching meditation from childhood is essential. It cannot be mastered overnight but requires daily practice. Meditation can help prevent crimes and immoral acts by teaching individuals to control their impulses. When humanity embraces meditation, this world will become a paradise.