Teach

“The problem is the solution.” That’s what I just read. Everywhere you look you can find signs of society’s illness. I won’t take the time to list them because really, all you need to do is look. If looking is too hard, just listen. People are always talking about what’s wrong with the world. Everyone complains, but no one fixes it. It’s not because most of the people who recognize the world’s problems are lazy, uncaring people who like to hear themselves speak. It’s because the problem is the solution. I’m sure that if any of the complainers had the answer, they would speak it twice as loud as their complaints. The problem is that the solution isn’t easy or simple. Most of us who take a moment to ponder what ‘s happening around us end feeling small and at times useless. “What can I do?” is such a familiar question. If I had a penny for every time I heard it either in my head or from someone else, I would have enough money to buy a solution.

Well, I have a solution. It’s not an easy solution, it’s not a fast solution, and it’s probably not a complete solution. It is something we can work towards. We are plagued by ignorance. I believe that a large amount of the world’s issues are caused by ignorance. Yes, there are a significant amount of well educated folks who are heavy contributors to what’s-wrong-with-the-world-today, but the main reason that they get away with it is that they are unopposed. Sometimes the economically elite get away with what they do because the masses don’t realize that they deserve more, sometimes they’ve been fooled into believing they’re getting more, and sometimes they want more but don’t know how to get it. Educated people tend to be more ambitious because they are more aware of their options, they are harder to trick, and they are in a better position to pursue what they want.

It’s not just in the fight against economic oppression that education can help us. The more you know, the more you can do. Tons of people in America and throughout the world are not employable because of their lack of education. There is only a limited amount of jobs that require minimal knowledge out there. Education gives people the versatility and flexibility they need to fill the open gaps in the job market rather than wait for a specific gap to open up.

Certain types of crime are less likely to be committed by educated people. One big reason is that educated people are less likely to feel the worst pressures of poverty which can push people to committing criminal acts in order to survive. Another reason is that educated people often think through things more because when you’re sitting in school “learning to learn” that is one of the things you’re being trained for. Life is simply applied logic.

Of course educating folks is not easy, but as I said, its a goal. Too many of our efforts are wasted on short term solutions. If you tell a child not to sell drugs, you are giving him a meal. Showing him alternative means to make money is giving him a fishing lesson. People generally do see education as important, but I don’t think a lot of people realize quite how important. Often, it may seem that it’s best to address society’s problems directly, but when you do it that way, the people trying to help will always be in the minority – picture me against the world. With an educated populace, everyone is in a better position to help him or herself. Currently, America throws tons of money into funding a welfare system that gives cash and food to needy people while our underfunded and badly managed schools are like factories, pumping out people who will soon be in this system. We need to stop the assembly line and focus on the more permanent solution. It would take several generations for the effects of education to be seen, but it truly is the more permanent solution.

What can I do? (and by ‘I’ I mean any and every individual) I can do my best to be a force for education. I can teach. I can try to encourage children to learn and try to nurture their natural thirst for knowledge when possible. I can urge others to do the same. I (personally) can try to teach with my music. Those of us who follow artistic pursuits are in a good position to reach people. We are a part of The Media and the entertainment industry. People listen to the media. If someone likes your art, there’s a good chance that he’ll listen to the message. Be responsible. Make sure it’s a good message. Encourage people to learn and to think.

What about the grown people? Do what you can for them. I’m not saying we should do away with all programs and efforts to attack problems directly, but there is only so much you can do on that front. Teaching someone who doesn’t want to learn can be anywhere from hard to impossible. Keep trying, but don’t lose sight of the real goal. We say our children are our future, but actions speak louder than words.