By Amir Benzaki
Photo by A.I.
A troubling phenomenon has emerged in Malaysia this year: social media influencers are mocking the value of traditional education. I aim to counter this harmful misconception with evidence and reason. Buckle up, its going to be quite a lengthy one.
In an era where information is just a few clicks away, the true essence of education is at risk of being lost. While the internet has made knowledge readily accessible, this convenience has, paradoxically, become more of a curse than a blessing. A modern man must recognize that being educated goes far beyond merely being informed. It is about engaging deeply with the learning process, cultivating intellectual curiosity, and shaping oneself into a well-rounded individual. Its a trait commonly found in most elites in Malaysia, and across the globe.
(1) Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak
(2) Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz
(3) Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin
Malaysia, like many nations, has its own luminaries. Figures like Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Nazrin Shah, the first Malaysian monarch to hold a Harvard doctorate, exemplify this deeper understanding of education. His Royal highness, alongside figures such as Tengku Zafrul Aziz and Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin, stand as beacons, illuminating the path to a truly educated mind. Their journeys were not shortcuts through the digital realm, but rigorous explorations of knowledge, shaped by discipline and intellectual curiosity.
The Value of the Process
Traditionally, acquiring knowledge required considerable effort. It involved attending lengthy lectures, engaging in intellectual discussions with peers, and scouring countless books and journals in libraries. The effort invested in seeking knowledge instilled discipline, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for learning.
Today, the convenience of digital information has led to a superficial understanding of education. Influencers and public figures who mock formal education often promote the notion that education is obsolete. Yet, this perspective overlooks the profound benefits of structured education.
Picture by A.I.
The Educational Institution: A Tool for Growth
Educational institutions are designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, and a gentleman understands that this is a set of invaluable tools. Educational institutions offer access to a vast array of resources and materials, guided by experienced mentors. The value of these institutions lies in how we use them to our advantage. Being in a classroom provides foundational knowledge, but it is the involvement in extracurricular settings that tests its practicality, factuality, and applicability.
During my time at university, being immersed in collegiate activities such as debates, public speaking, discussions, and tutorials was instrumental in honing my communication skills, enhancing my ability to collect and analyze information, and teaching me invaluable lessons from my peers. As we engaged in debates and discussions, we shared ideas grounded in well-researched facts, standing firm and defending them as others rigorously scrutinized and challenged the presented ideas. This intellectual exercise, while possible outside formal education, lacks the intensity and spirit of learning found within an academic setting.
The Educational Ecosystem
In the real world, mistakes can have significant consequences, potentially altering our life paths, resulting in fewer people willing to take risks. In contrast, educational settings provide a safe space to learn from our errors. Here, mistakes are opportunities for growth, offering low-risk chances to test our mental capabilities and build resilience.
Educational institutions are preparing us for the future. They encourage us to have our ideas and theories validated by experts in the field, ensuring that our knowledge is not just theoretical but grounded in reality. This rigorous process of verification and validation is something that cannot be replicated by a simple Google search or watching YouTube videos.
The Role of Mentors and Peer Learning
One significant advantage of formal education is access to guidance and mentorship. Take, for example, a complex subject matter. Online searches may yield countless results, but this information is often contradictory and unreliable. Within the educational system, this information is curated and guided by qualified mentors, experts who have dedicated their lives to mastering their fields.
Professors do not achieve their status merely by obtaining a doctorate; they continually contribute to their disciplines through peer-reviewed journals and global collaboration that are fact-checked by other experts to ensure their accuracy. Even then, their theories are always open to challenge and discussion. All these efforts solidify the factual basis of the knowledge imparted within educational institutions.
With technological advancements, universities have become more global than ever. Professors and students from around the world collaborate, bringing diverse perspectives and enhancing the learning experience. Education is no longer confined to local viewpoints; it is enriched by a global understanding.
The writer in his undergrad days in Morocco, attending open lecture in the oldest university in the world, University Al-Qarawiyyin.
Personal Reflection
Looking back at my university experience, I gained so much more than just academics and qualifications. Participating in business-related activities provided insights into running my own business. Producing theses and papers sharpened my data analysis skills. Lectures, even those unrelated to my primary subject, taught me to navigate life in various situations. The people I met during those years, some of whom are now part of my professional network, have been invaluable. It's a great investment if you ask me.
Each level of education, from undergraduate to doctoral studies, presents unique challenges and learning opportunities. The progression from one level to the next sharpens critical thinking and deepens understanding, preparing individuals for greater responsibilities as life progresses.
Addressing the Critics
Education, like any institution, has its flaws. However, dismissing it as a waste of time reflects a shallow perspective. Many today share the idea that while there are many degree holders, they do not reflect as educated people.
An analogy may illustrate my response: just as numerous barbers exist, yet many people walk around ungroomed, the issue lies not in the capability of barbers but in individuals not utilizing their services effectively. Similarly, the abundance of low-quality degree holders today does not diminish the value of education but highlights the importance of how we engage with it.
To conclude, I believe a modern man should advocate for continuous learning, understanding that education and learning are lifelong journeys that only cease when one does.
The internet is a great tool that makes information gathering a lot easier, faster, and more efficient. I use it to learn new things and acquire new skills, but these does not negate the need for formal education. Internet should be used to supplement the process of learning instead.
Being educated is not just about acquiring information but about developing character, discipline, and a perpetual passion for knowledge. In upholding education to the highest standard, we honor the process that shapes us into better men, which will be an invaluable asset as we progress in life. As Aristotle wisely said, "Education is the best provision for old age."
