“the Need to Be Smart Is Corrupting Our Future”

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It is not uncommon for people to assume that education can bring about nothing but positive results. However, what most people are unaware of are the gradual changes that have come along with the idea of “being smart”. Over the years the purpose of getting an education has changed dramatically. Compared to the past, being smart has gone from a desire or interest to learn, to more of a competition. If these competitive trends continue, the desire to be smart will become all- consuming, leaving no time for enjoyment in life. In order for an individual to clearly see how this will affect humans in the future, it is essential to examine past trends in education, how they have evolved, and how their evolution is affecting current day society. Many years ago, most people went to school in order to learn how to read, write, and become self- sufficient. During the 1800s, the main purpose of getting an education was the need to support a family, and the desire to better yourself as a person. Schools had only one room, and all ages were taught together. Going to school was considered a privilege, and children were only taught in winter and summer because they were busy helping their families during the harvest season (ThinkQuest.). Kids went to school purely for the desire to learn. As time elapsed, things changed. In 1900 only 11.4% of teens between the ages of 14 and 17 were in high school. The number eventually inched up to 15.4% by 1910 (“Teen Culture in the Early 1900's”). During this time not many people went to high school, and going to college was almost unheard of. In order to keep a job, a college degree was not necessarily needed. World War II served as a major turning point in the work force and the desire to be “one step ahead of others” in the field of education. During the war many boys were forced to go into the army. While the soldiers were away, women

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