We’ve all heard that education is so important, that it is the sole means to a better world. And I agree wholeheartedly with this ethos. But I think we insist on garnering top-class educations for all the wrong reasons. Sure, the probability that we will earn bigger salaries is greatly increased with higher levels of education, and yes, world peace and all such wonderful things are achievable through education, but the real motif should not be so highfalutin. In the concrete, the motivating factor behind garnering education should be confidence. Nothing more, nothing less.

Confidence is what actually wins you the ability to do the work of high-paying jobs, what actually gives you the upper hand in life. And this confidence I’m talking of does not necessarily conform to the ‘out-there, loud and ambitious’ connotations typically strung to the word. It is simply an innate confidence in ability that was always present, but now, with that signed piece of paper that is a degree/diploma, permissible. This is a vital concept, so excuse this lengthy exposition:

One’s character and talents are little changed from one year to the next, and yet few would attempt to pass twelfth grade calculus without first passing eleventh grade calculus. Why not? They could just as easily have understood the grade 12 stuff while in grade 11 as they understood the grade 11 stuff at the same age! The point is, we need the consolation of that grade 11 certificate in order to see ourselves as ‘qualified’ to understand the following years’ work. It’s simply a matter of confidence. The thinking is as follows… Okay, I’ve passed grade eleven calculus. I can do it. Now on to the next thing. Grade twelve calculus, here I come!

The key concept behind this is that education in itself is not what we need. It is confidence in our abilities that we require to succeed. Upon graduating high school, one could fulfill the character requirements for a CEO position just as much as the same person could have done after completing a PhD. The only difference is that the PhD certificate got them an interview.

So remember, when you are studying, that your objective in doing so is not only to gain factual knowledge and skills, but also to reinvent your self-confidence and belief in your abilities. Education gives us this, and is therefore vitally important. Bear that in mind, and you’ll enter the working world unstoppable!