The attempt to teach moral
science in schools must be the worst of the ideas ever proposed. Education is
supposed to prepare students for the real world. However, the idealistic
teachings on morals can never stand grounds in the real world.
Experiences continue to teach us
how many of the basic lessons taught were so wrong. Let us take a few examples.
Everybody is equal
It is no mystery to a mature mind
that some are more equal than others.
They argued that if one is good at studies, the other is good at sports
or arts or something unique. Well truthfully, sometimes one person is just better
than another in every aspect that matters. Sometimes you are better and other
times you are bettered. Sometimes we just have to accept our place in the
hierarchy.
Take an example of countries now.
My colleagues who had worked in the Middle East used to tell me the
differential treatment meted to them just because they we Indians and not
Europeans or Americans. On turning assertive they were politely asked if they
remembered which embassy they belonged to.
Money can’t buy happiness
They taught us not to run after
money and greed is bad. This must be the biggest lie ever told. Money is not a
luxury, it’s a necessity. Let’s not count the people below poverty line (who
will surely slap you on such an absurd statement) but consider the middle
class. It’s not the money but what that money can buy: a liveable house, better
schooling for children, better medical care of parents etc. Money, without a
doubt, helps you buy things which can make you happy.
Flattery/ Ass-licking/ Politics doesn’t pay
If done tactfully, this is known
to pay rich dividends. The ones who fail are the ones who become too obvious in
their task. But schools taught us to always tell the truth however harsh. They
taught us that indulging in politics is bad. They told us that success follows
good work automatically. The need to be tactful, diplomatic, cheat and bribe,
if necessary, and how to talk yourself out of a situation is something people
have to learn on their own in the real world. The one who thinks that such cheap tactics could never
work will soon realize how naive he is.
Be good and good shall be done unto you
Just general knowledge is enough
to refute the fact. Dictators have led good lives and poor have died for no
reason. Life is not fair. Life is a just a series of random happenings with
little rhyme or reason (least at an individual level). Even if dictators are
brought to justice and punished, it doesn’t change the fact that innocent
people were killed at their hands. Does life become fair for them just because
after two decades their killer was punished?
But if the lessons are going to
make the world a better place at your cost, are they really worth learning?
A good one!
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