Opus 2016-234: Training Is Basic, part 2 of 2

Basics are the foundation of anything worth doing.

I served my time in the military.  I went through basic training.  By the time we were done I realized that they didn’t really teach anything but marching and following orders.  I began to realize we were a long way from warrior training when one day in our “hand-to-hand combat” training the instructor said, “Remember what I have been teaching you?  Forget all that.  We are going to do it a different way.”  What?   The point being taught was “shut up and do what you are told”.  Thinking, application and initiative would be instilled later when we knew how to “column right” and “count off”.

College is pretty much the same.  A college degree doesn’t mean you are educated.  All it means is you were able to complete a task.  You have been given the basic skills that will enable you to continue to educate yourself and adapt to whatever comes.  It is amazing how many people get jobs that have nothing to do with their major in college.  One reason that so many college graduates today can’t find jobs is that they took the path of least resistance, were given grades they did not deserve and didn’t miss any of the parties.  They didn’t complete anything of note.  They have no skills.  They are not wanted by employers.

Our education is never over.  That is why we keep reading and arguing.  If we were short-changed by our teachers we have a lot of making up to do.  I am thankful that we live in America where there is always a second chance for people who wake up and want to smell roses instead of the welfare line.

homo unius libri