We have never been more educated
#411
Friend of Democracy,
It has probably never been easier to create a life of prosperity for ourselves than it is today.
Not least because we are more educated than ever before. In Europe, about 99 per cent of adults can read and write — the result of a historical process.
More.
Compulsory primary education laws spread across Europe between 1800 and 1900. It was because states realised literacy was crucial for industrial labour, military conscription, taxation and administration. Railways, newspapers, and cheap printing made reading practically useful.
It didn‘t stop with literacy.
After 1945 and especially after 1970, Universities expanded rapidly. Student grants and free or low-cost tuition became available in many countries.
How has it changed in numbers?
Before 1950, typically 1 to 5 per cent of the population attended university. Today, 40-45 per cent of younger European adults (aged 25-34) have completed tertiary education.
Nutshell:
We are more educated and better able to take control of our own destiny than ever before.
See you in Democracy,
Johannes Eber
I am not sure this has transferred into critical thinking skills to drive policies which level up society in a way I’d want to see. Yes, the tools are there for many people to achieve better livelihoods and increased salary/wealth, but I’m not sure we’ve educated people about practical and pragmatic thinking, real decision-making or empathy and concern for those less well off, we’ve provided an education heavy on learning and possibly not so heavy on thinking — in the main. At least this is my view looking at the fact that many societies are increasingly unequal, and you’d think this level of education would have possibly stemmed that tide.