The Abolition of Education

Today, as the world progresses in business, transportation, and technology, we might assume that morality will advance in lockstep with these material achievements. Flawed human nature being what it is, however, this is sadly not the case. Thus, the advance of true education ought to be our highest priority. It is the duty of education to mold not only intellects, but also hearts and souls. The spheres of school and home must work together for this common goal.

Parents across America are returning to school board meetings with one agenda: they want their children to attain learning, not indoctrination. Rejecting political propaganda, these fathers and mothers simply want their schools to reinforce the truths taught in the home. At the very least, they don’t want teachers unraveling the good work of learning and conversation that is woven throughout daily family life.

Education truly begins in the home, where parents lay a foundation of learning. Family leaders impart their spiritual heritage: a bedrock of wisdom. As the ancient writer of Proverbs states: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Only after parents lay the groundwork of common sense and moral wisdom should the school step in. The proper work of the school is knowledge: the necessary outfitting and beautiful ornamentation to a house well-built. We must remember, however, that a family culture of literacy and well-informed minds can be achieved without external aids. Over two centuries ago, the DuPont study noted that the youth of Jefferson’s day gained insights into politics, philosophy, the arts, and culture simply because fathers read aloud to their children.

A worthy education imparts not only wisdom and knowledge, but also humility. A lifetime of learning leads us to acknowledge with awe all that we do not know. I recall standing in the Library of Congress, gazing up at the words painted across the ceiling: “Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.” Seeking knowledge and truth in a spirit of humility liberates us from the bondage of ignorance. It grants peace as we find our rightful place below God. 

If children are more than physical beings, then our educational goals must transcend mere job certification. Success must be measured by more than money and careers. A life-giving education allows its students to walk boldly in their callings, and in turn to invest in others. C.S. Lewis reminds us of Plato’s words in The Abolition of Man (1943): “The well-nurtured youth is one who would see most clearly whatever was amiss in ill-made works of man or ill-grown works of nature, and with a just distaste would blame and hate the ugly even from his earliest years and would give delighted praise to beauty, receiving it into his soul and being nourished by it so that he becomes a man of gentle heart.” It is increasingly hard to find high-minded adults with the belt of truth around their waists, and beauty and goodness guiding their steps. Clearly, we can make no better investment than our children’s education. They are the legacy we leave to the world. As author and Hillsdale College president Dr. Larry Arnn writes: “If a nation is to remain free, its citizens must know how to distinguish good action from bad, justice from injustice, liberty from licentiousness and freedom from tyranny.”

Millions of Americans have and will continue to come through the public education system. Yet, dangerously, moral instruction has been divorced from modern education. If citizens cannot rightly govern themselves—their passions, emotions, and habits—they will not be able to preserve a free society. Parents and concerned citizens must be the voice of conscience for the state’s classrooms. We cannot afford to abandon these schools when our very liberties are at stake. We must take initiative and fight. Our children are worth it.