On Unfair Comparisons and Understanding the Purpose of School

On Unfair Comparisons and Understanding the Purpose of School

"The best students in school don’t get compensated well." Says who?

Some argue that it's unfair for a first-class graduate to receive only a token for their academic excellence, while entertainers and athletes walk away with massive financial rewards. But is that really a fair comparison? I don’t think so.

School was never designed as a money-making venture. It was created for learning, knowledge acquisition, and intellectual growth. The reward for excelling in academics is not immediate financial gain but greater opportunities for further study, research, and intellectual exposure. Understanding this simple truth helps to avoid unnecessary comparisons that diminish the true value of education.

Education’s Unique Rewards

Tertiary institutions are unique because they gather learned minds in one place—something no other industry or profession can claim. In these institutions, knowledge flows like water, and those who excel academically often get the chance to pursue even deeper knowledge through postgraduate studies, research grants, and academic collaborations.

On the other hand, an entertainer doesn’t necessarily need such academic avenues. Their industry rewards creativity, marketability, and audience engagement, not research papers or intellectual discourse. The two fields serve entirely different purposes, and their rewards follow suit.

Cultural Dynamics and Shifting Perspectives

The comparison between academic success and financial success has gained traction due to shifting cultural dynamics. Historically, education was pursued by those genuinely interested in its benefits—exposure, critical thinking, and opportunities for intellectual growth. Many students of the past saw the advantages of schooling beyond just financial incentives. The scholarships, foreign study opportunities, and other perks were mere bonuses, not the driving force behind their pursuit of education.

However, in today’s world, education has become more of an expectation than a choice. This shift has led to dissatisfaction when the system doesn’t immediately translate to financial wealth. But the school system itself hasn’t changed—only society’s perception of its purpose has.

Misplaced Expectations and Protests

Many protests against the education system are, at their core, protests against this change in societal dynamics rather than the system itself. This is why institutions temporarily shut down in response, only to reopen later with the same structure intact. If money is the goal, then formal education might not be the most direct route to achieving it.

Take an apprentice learning a trade, for instance. Their master equips them with business skills that help them generate income. In contrast, a professor emeritus in economics, despite their wealth of knowledge, may not necessarily be able to teach someone how to make money in practical terms. Each system has its place and serves different purposes.

Understanding True Rewards

A chef’s reward is not the praise they receive for their delicious meals—it’s the opportunity to grow from a local cook to an internationally recognized culinary expert. Similarly, top-performing students in tertiary institutions don’t receive cash prizes as their ultimate reward. These tokens of recognition are mere encouragements. The true reward comes when their research is published, their ideas shape new discoveries, and their expertise is sought after in academic and professional circles.

Entertainers, on the other hand, are rewarded financially based on audience demand, marketability, and industry value. A student studying in school is not "selling" anything, so they shouldn’t expect financial compensation. Their "buyers" are their professors, mentors, and research communities, who provide feedback, critique, and guidance on their academic journey.

Education and the Workforce

Schools were never designed to teach people how to make money. Instead, they produce skilled individuals who possess specialized knowledge needed by industries. Companies seek graduates because they need professionals who understand how to run systems, solve complex problems, and innovate. Businesses create wealth, but they still require experts trained in management, engineering, law, and other fields to sustain and grow that wealth.

Final Thoughts

If one is unsure of the purpose of education, they should look at its products. School has produced both the "study-minded" who continue to pursue academic excellence and the "money-minded" who use their knowledge to navigate different industries. It has never hindered anyone—rather, it has attracted people with diverse ambitions. Whether one chooses to leverage their degree or venture into entrepreneurship, education remains a valuable tool, not a limitation.

Instead of lamenting unfair comparisons, it’s important to recognize that different systems reward different pursuits. School, like every other institution, has its own currency of success—knowledge, research, and intellectual advancement. Understanding this distinction helps in appreciating both academic achievements and financial successes without unnecessary discontent.