I was just asked why I believe in education.
The global natality rate just dropped below replacement rate. From now on, the world population is shrinking.
Why this is bad? It's not about absolute numbers. It's about the trend. A shrinking, aging population means decay. 5 billion people is not necessarily worse than 10 billion, but the trend is a disaster. It's like a company shrinking. It's still a big company. But it's overweight, bureaucratic, static, disillusioned, lacks energy and stamina.
Why is the human population and natality shrinking? Less children, even in underdeveloped countries. Better birth control. Much higher cost for raising children.
Our children start working at 25. Our grand parents were productive at 12.
It's difficult to raise 3-4 kids until 25.
So here comes the question. Why do we educate our kids? Why do we spend 20+ years as parents / taxi drivers / mentors, between school, football, piano lessons, chess and art classes?
In short, I believe education makes us better. More effective, smarter, more reasonable. You earn more money, help more people, and contribute more to the progress of society. You save lives and do more good for those around you. You are less likely to vote for demagogic, populist, or sociopathic politicians. You are better equipped to defend yourself against aggression. You avoid conflicts and help de-escalate them. You build things that are useful to your family, your colleagues, and humanity.
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