“Education is the kindling of a flame, not filling of a vessel” – Socrates

Education is most important among all of us. Education is that which transforms a person to live a better life and even in a social well-being. Undoubtedly, education is both socially & personally an indispensable part of human life. As said by Nelson Mandela, Education is the most lethal weapon we can use to change the world. It is the one thing that can make a human’s life better till his death, unlike some temporary luxuries.

We live in an ever changing world. New technologies keep coming up and if you don’t want to be left behind, you must keep up with the world which is moving really fast. Without education it will be really difficult for you to adapt to all these changes. An educated person is much more aware of the latest technologies and all the changes that are taking place in the world. For example, an uneducated person may not know about the benefits of the internet whereas an educated person uses this gift of technology regularly for work as well as for entertainment.

Australia, USA and Japan are few countries with very high literacy rates. These countries are extremely prosperous and the citizens have a high per capita income. On the other hand, in underdeveloped and developing nations, where literacy rate is not as high, a number of people are still living below the poverty line. Education is vital for the economic prosperity of a nation.

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors to windows” -Sydney J.Harris

It completely wipes out belief in false beliefs .Superstitions are baseless, useless and may affect your life negatively. Illiterate and uneducated people often tend to hold certain superstitious beliefs. Education and awareness are the best ways to combat superstitions and replace such beliefs with reason and logic. Also, everybody likes a wise and knowledgeable person! Educated people are considered highly reputable in the society. Now-a-days, the more educated you are, the more respect you will get from those around you.

Education is what you need if you want an answer to your ‘what’ and ‘how’ and ‘where’. It helps you understand the world you live in. You get to know more about your surroundings as well as the whole world. Education majorly affects our understanding of the difference between right and wrong. An educated person is well aware of the consequences of wrong/illegal actions and he is less likely to get influenced and do something which is not legally/morally right. Also, a  number of uneducated people who live a poverty stricken life owning to lack of opportunities often turn to illegal ways such as theft and robbery to solve their problems. If you are educated, you are well aware of your rights, the law and your responsibilities towards the society. Hence, education is an important factor which contributes in social harmony and peace.

“Education must teach a child how to think, but, not what to think” - Margaret Mead.

If we want to see the world as a just and fair place where everyone is given equal opportunities, education is what we require. Education is a must if we want to do away with the existing differences between different social classes and genders. A society safe and secure for women in the society which is can only be achieved through right education and knowledge.

“Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil” — C.S.Lewis

The process of receiving or giving systematic knowledge at a school or university is called as education. The word “education” is derived from the Latin “Educatus” which means breeding, bringing up or rearing.

Education existed in the earliest pre-history. During the Early Middle Ages, the monasteries of the Roman Catholic Church were the centres of education and literacy. Education was widespread for elite young men in the 18th century with schools in most regions of our country. The subjects taught included Reading, Writing, Theology, Law, Astronomy, Meta Physics, Ethics, Medical Science and Religion. The current system of education, with its western style and content, was introduced and founded by the British during the British Raj, following recommendations by Lord Macaulay.

Aristotle a famous Greek philosopher said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet”. Now-a-days education is compulsory to all people in most countries. Due to population growth and compulsory education, UNESCO has calculated that in the next thirty years more people will receive formal education than in all of human history in the past. Systems of formal education involve Pre School, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Vocational education. Pre Schools and Primary education are very important in the formative years of the child. Teachers with special skills and training are needed at this time to nurture the children to develop their potentials.

Secondary and Post-Secondary education occurs mainly during the teenage years. The purpose of this education is to give knowledge or to train directly in a profession. Tertiary education is normally undergraduate and post graduate education. Colleges and Universities are the main institutions that provide tertiary education. Vocational education is often referred to as technical education which develops a trainee expertize in a particular group of techniques.

While speaking about education American President Barack Obama rightly said that, “In an economy where knowledge is the most valuable commodity a person and a country have to offer, the best jobs will go to the best educated whether they live in the United States or India or China”. Education broadens our vision and gives us a better understanding of the world around us. A civilized and structured society is formed on the basis of education. Education helps people to think rationally and avoid illusions in life. Education gives scope for technical advancements in fields of science and technology. Educated people have higher self-esteem and respected everywhere. They have better problem solving skills. Education is a means of reducing poverty in the society.

As Nelson Mandela rightly said, “Education is a powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Brigham Young encourages women’s education by saying that, “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.”

It states clearly that education of women build healthier families. Educated women can recognize the importance of healthcare, family and gain confidence in their lives. The knowledge and empowerment of women can bring about a change in a family and in the society. A person becomes perfect with education not only gains for himself but also he serves the nation. So we must realize the importance of education and ensure that each citizen of our nation is educated and helpful to the society.