I’ve been thinking about what it means to be intelligent. Something about the word “intelligent” bothers me when it’s used to describe someone. I feel like it’s often used incorrectly, it can be inaccurate and vague. When someone says, “That guy is intelligent” I think to myself, “In what way?” there must be a better word to use for mental ability?
I’m getting ahead of myself; let me back up a bit. Last weekend I was discussing university with a fellow black belt. I am not, nor haven’t ever been in university. After I graduated from high school I put a lot of thought into whether I wanted to go to university or a trade school. Each had their pros and cons but I picked trade school in the end. I can still hear university calling though, and I’ll always be a bit tempted to go. I kind of doubt I ever will unless I get rich or take it in the evenings (It loses a lot of its charm for me if it’s part time).
The reason I’m so interested in university is to learn about things I’m interested in, to become a knowledgeable, educated, strong individual. Universities offer certain things that no one else can. The process of going through university exposes students to a broad range of knowledge. Instead of focusing solely on a specific field, a student can pursue all sorts of classes or activities to expand their mind and broaden their horizons. Universities have so much potential to better a human being, if not always in a practical (working in the world) type of way. Even the social structure is fantastic for improving ones social skills.
I think the meaning of the title “scholar” has changed, it doesn’t mean the same thing as it did in the old days. I think few modern students are true scholars, people devoted to the pursuit of knowledge, many are just interested in getting a degree and the job that comes with it (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I have enormous respect for true scholars. Dedicating yourself to strengthening your mind for the sake of becoming a better human being is commendable but difficult to do. That’s why I’m interested in University.
I chose not to go for practical reasons. The things I want to take are not necessarily related and I don’t know what I would end up graduating with. The expense is enormous and I simply can’t afford to do what I would like to do. I don’t want to spend 4-8 years racking up dept to graduate in a slightly better position to make money. The length of time it takes to complete a degree scares me a bit too. I could spend 4-10 years there before getting out and enjoying freedom. That’s a lot of time; I’m worried about missing out on some youth. One of my friends is trying to get into med school, he's been in university since right out of high school, he’ll be 30 before he graduates, he’s never lived on his own, had his own money or much freedom. That terrifies me! He’s lucky enough to be in the position where his parents can afford it, he won’t have to pay any loans off or be a starving student.
So I picked trade school because it’s short, it pays we’ll, and here’s the most important part, it gives you time. I reason that many things universities offer can be pursued or achieved on your own, in your own spare time. You just have to be motivated to try. Becoming financially stable earlier allows you do more. It gives you freedom and free time. With that free time you have unlimited potential to better yourself. I believe it is harder to become “learned” on your own, without school, but entirely possible and respectable.
You might be wondering where I’m going with this or why I’ve drifted away from my first idea but I felt it important to give the Who, the Where, the When and the Why. This has gotten longer, and taken me longer, than I was expecting. I have to go to class now, the What and the How will soon follow.
To be continued…
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