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Dave Leith's avatar

Well, I think it's interesting, because a college education is supposed to be about far more than learning a specific job skill. Fundamentally it should ALSO be about learning how to use critical thinking skills, how to effectively communicate at an advanced and more detailed level, and how to best interact socially to be able to gain influence among one's peers who may join and support you in creating success on the job. As a result, no matter what activity or job we ultimately take part in throughout our career evolution, gaining and honing these fundamental skills remains quite helpful if one is to remain resilient within a wide set of job markets, which is indeed representative of most people's work lives here within the United States. So while I do think that college education is important, I also think that having part of it being far more focused on connecting more intimately with the job market is also important. Unfortunately, our universities are failing for the most part on both counts, and our educational system is also not sufficiently funded so that our committed students (those that are truly serious about achieving their educational objectives) can ALL reasonably handle the financial requirements.

Susan Harley's avatar

You raise some really pertinent points David about what College education is supposed to be. There is a need for a complete overhaul of how we prepare and support the young to make the most of their talents and passions. To have the relationship and social skills to fully contribute to their societies. You are right this requires adequate and ideally generous funding because it’s the best investment a society can make. These questions are asked in The Preparation book are there alternatives, is what College offers worth the debt ? It sounds like you are in the Educational world and I thank you for that , as it cannot be easy currently and it is so important. I also appreciate your contribution here.

Dave Leith's avatar

Thank you, Susan. I enjoyed the conversation.

Susan Harley's avatar

Thank you David, hopefully you can join us for the next Book Chat on Thursday.

Kevin Howard's avatar

Wonderful discussion! Thank you so much…

Susan Harley's avatar

Thank you Kevin , for your support and encouragement. I am new to this going LIVE, so I appreciate you participating and commenting.

Kevin Howard's avatar

We have immoral leaders because our virtues are immoral…independence when we live interdependently, self-interest even at the expense of the hands that serve us, wealth via competition where we defeat our neighbors…

Susan Harley's avatar

You’re right Kevin, thanks for your thoughts .

We have been indoctrinated so much , people believe the propaganda and lies of Politicians wanting to get elected. Once elected their real agenda’s and constituent's are revealed showing the immorality .

I would like to believe this is changing and momentum is growing in recognition of our oneness and that we need new ways to govern morally and equally.

Kevin Howard's avatar

The good news is we are each empowered to set aside the false virtues, values and narratives by first verifying what we are told before we believe it, then making our choices on what we determine is actually true. This process requires seeing reality through a clear lens, free of bias.

Susan Harley's avatar

That is the good news Kevin, because we can change and choose how we perceive and how we respond to any situation.

Kevin Howard's avatar

I firmly believe undergraduate and graduate school curricula should focus on scholarship (how well students understand and integrate the body of knowledge) as opposed to the current focus on specific career tracks.

Susan Harley's avatar

Your suggestion Kevin, would be more practical and useful in real life, thank you.