Taking the class that hates class to school

Some things in life are so white, they’re blinding.

Saying no to college is one of them.

I get that some people can’t afford college. I get that some are better suited for trade school or for specific certifications. But this article barely touches on those situations, instead focusing on the short-sighted, greedy, bourgeoisie reason to quit college: because you’re too smart for class and those billions won’t make themselves.

But really, anyone who doesn’t see that the examples of Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are such outliers that they merit being written about are precisely the people who need an education the most. It’s like that one time I read about a homeschooled girl who got into Harvard, because I think that only happened one time.

The article touts the idea, without much skepticism, that college is no longer worth the investment because it’s easier to create, say, an app. Even if it was true that the entire American economy and job market were exactly like the tech sector, how awful would it be to have a nation full of get-rich-quick, know-nothing types?

(Yes, I'm well aware that life is also a teacher. But how open is your mind once you've stuffed enough money into it? And don't get me started on the educational value of travel. If you can afford to travel the world after dropping out of college, you're too ridiculous to like.)

Education isn’t just about getting gainful employment; it’s about learning how life works and how to get by socially. It’s about expanding your mind not only to know more, but to learn how much you don’t know. That, in turn, makes you a better person. But yes, it also does help you in the career regard. Even in bad times, employers generally want a person they know can handle commitments and is smart enough for the rigors of the job. We need more of that, not less.

We also need more trade schools, because trades always need qualified personnel as surely as any collegiate field.

Most people aspire to a higher education. These are the people most deserving of our help, because they will lift themselves up and, in turn, society.

Others never have to worry about money and venture capital, nor do they feel they will gain anything from school due to their perceived high standing in life. Those bourgeoisie types shouldn’t be anyone’s role models. They’re only hurting themselves in the long run. And us.

On the other hand, think of the apps!