During this era of budget cuts, rising tuition and widespread unemployment, there is increasing discussion regarding the necessity of a college education. Despite the fact that one's eventual income and financial security is directly tied to his or her education level, opting for a trade school is a reasonable choice for many individuals and may lead to a lucrative and fulfilling career. But, unless these individuals make the effort to broaden their personal education, this choice comes with a price, both for the individual and for human society.
A college education encourages us to open our minds to other disciplines, other cultures and, most importantly, other points of view. Indeed, it is common for college students to change their major in the course of their studies, often in response to a field of study with which they had no previous experience. Even if the student sticks with their initial major, a choice made at the ripe old age of 18, he or she is exposed to a variety of academic disciplines, including art, literature, history and science. Such a broad education offers a more complete perspective on human nature and on our relationship to the Universe in which we live.
We humans learn from the latter stages of fetal life until the moment of our death. The extent of our knowledge is directly related to the diversity of our experience and those who seek educational opportunities via school, reading, travel, cultural programs, volunteer work, mentorship, parenting, exploration and a variety of work experience will make the most of their lives. In turn, human society benefits from their knowledge and becomes less susceptible to the forces of zealotry, discrimination, intolerance and mysticism.
