The Meaning and Purpose of Education
Herbert Spencer poses a compelling question in one of his writings: “What knowledge is of the most worth?” He answers it himself, asserting that the most valuable knowledge is that which prepares individuals for modern life. This reflection leads us to a deeper inquiry into the true meaning and purpose of education in society. Over time, the aim of education has been interpreted in various ways; however, most scholars and educationists agree that its primary role lies in enhancing personal abilities while simultaneously strengthening moral character. Education seeks to shape individuals by instilling a sense of right and wrong, exposing them to ethical teachings, and broadening their understanding of the world.
At the individual level, education plays a transformative role in multiple dimensions.
First, it cultivates awareness of the self and the world. Through exposure to literature, philosophy, history, and the sciences, individuals begin to understand who they are in relation to others and their surroundings. Will Durant emphasized this when he wrote that education means “the understanding of life through history, science, religion, and philosophy.” In classrooms, when students read thought-provoking texts or explore historical struggles, they begin to relate historical wisdom to their personal experiences.
Second, education contributes significantly to character building. Bertrand Russell believed that education should build character, foster a wish for truth, and develop a humble mind that upholds justice in thought. Schools that integrate community service, peace education, and empathy-building exercises reflect this spirit, shaping future citizens with moral clarity.
Third, education enables the formation of independent opinion. Russell stressed that knowledge should be presented in such a way that forming one’s own set of opinions becomes inevitable. This is a significant shortcoming in exam-oriented systems, which often discourage creativity and critical inquiry. Reforms are needed to encourage open dialogue and analytical thinking.
Fourth, education boosts self-confidence. Participation in co-curricular activities, sports, debates, and leadership training builds a student’s ability to express themselves and face challenges. Will Durant linked this with the “control of life through health, character, and intelligence,” where education enables individuals to gain mastery over their mental, emotional, and physical selves.
As a social institution, education has far-reaching impacts.
First, it improves health awareness and conditions. Educated individuals understand hygiene, disease prevention, and nutrition. Areas with higher female literacy often report better maternal and child health outcomes, confirming Will Durant’s emphasis on life control through health.
Second, it promotes tolerance and inclusivity. Education helps bridge divides between ethnicities, religions, and classes. In diverse societies, where social tensions persist, fostering inclusive narratives in schools can counter extremism. Former UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay emphasized that fostering respect for all human rights and religious diversity makes education essential to peacebuilding. Curricula must represent minority voices and indigenous cultures to reflect this principle.
Third, it develops responsible and law-abiding citizens. By teaching civic duties and constitutional rights, education nurtures obedience to the law and social cohesion.
Fourth, education promotes social justice and equity. When people are educated, they recognize and resist injustice. Bertrand Russell noted that justice in thought is as important as justice in action—both of which stem from a well-rounded education.
Education also plays a vital role as a political institution.
First, it helps form democratic and political habits. By participating in student unions, debates, and elections, students learn compromise, representation, and peaceful conflict resolution. However, the absence of democratic practices on campuses impedes the growth of these habits. Bertrand Russell’s call for fostering the humility of mind and truth-seeking spirit is critical here to build tolerant political discourse.
Second, education encourages public participation. Informed citizens are more likely to vote, attend forums, and engage in activism. Civic literacy creates more aware and assertive citizens.
Third, it strengthens accountability. Educated individuals demand transparency and challenge corruption. With greater awareness of rights and responsibilities, they hold institutions and leaders answerable.
Lastly, it fortifies democratic institutions. With an understanding of democratic norms, individuals begin to value and protect institutions like the judiciary, election bodies, and the parliament. The absence of such awareness often leads to populist manipulation or institutional breakdowns.
From an economic standpoint, education is a cornerstone of national development.
First, it supports human development. By enhancing creativity and adaptability, it prepares individuals for a rapidly changing world. Will Durant advocated for the “enjoyment of life through friendship, nature, and literature”—all of which are part of a broader vision of enriched human life.
Second, education ensures the provision of skilled labor. Technical training equips individuals for meaningful employment and productivity in key sectors of the economy.
Third, education drives technological advancement. When scientific research is encouraged, innovation follows. A culture of inquiry and research nurtures the technical backbone of a country’s economy, aligning with Russell’s vision of knowledge rooted in curiosity and disciplined exploration.
Lastly, education nurtures an entrepreneurial class. By equipping young people with business acumen, creativity, and financial literacy, education creates job creators who contribute to economic resilience and diversity.
In the words of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of Vietnam, “For the sake of ten years’ benefit, we must plant trees. For the sake of a hundred years’ benefit, we must cultivate the people.” This encapsulates the long-term vision of education. It is a tool not only for personal success but for collective progress and sustainability. Likewise, Will Durant’s call to balance control, understanding, and enjoyment of life, along with Bertrand Russell’s insistence on justice, independence of thought, and the pursuit of truth, provide a holistic framework for reimagining education in society.
In conclusion, while education plays vital roles across the social, political, and economic domains, its most transformative power lies in shaping the individual. It is the educated individual—self-aware, ethical, skilled, and confident—who becomes the agent of change in society. Yet the current education system often fails to fulfill this mission due to an overemphasis on grades, lack of conceptual learning, discouragement of inquiry, and outdated teaching practices. To build a just, tolerant, and prosperous nation, we must begin by investing in an education system that prioritizes personal development over paper qualifications, and character over credentials. As Russell, Durant, Minh, and Pillay remind us, cultivating minds is the highest service a society can render to its future—and education must rise to this challenge.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Spine Times.
The author is the founder of The Spine Times. His areas of interest include terrorism, erstwhile FATA, China, and global politics.
