If there's one topic that has sparked numerous debates between myself and others, and for which I've often been judged and called a fool, it's not the school itself, as many misunderstand, but rather the educational system. This system, as I've experienced in my country, shares similarities, to some extent, with those in other countries.

School has always been among the aspects of my life I’ve felt the most disdain for, a sentiment that endures. Everything about it, save for a few classmates, annoyed me: the teachers, the “curriculum”, all of it. I discovered little within its walls that sparked enlightenment. To me, it resembled more a prison than a place of learning, a structure that confined rather than broadened my perspectives. The exception was elementary school, where the novelty of learning, the joy of uncovering new facets of our world, was exhilarating. I was laying the foundation of my knowledge, driven by a greedy curiosity to delve deeper into the subjects introduced each day. This voracious curiosity was nurtured in me, as I admired the vast array of knowledge accessible on my own. With limited screen time ( My parents didn’t allow me to spend more than 30 minutes per day in front of the PC. I didn’t own a mobile phone until I was 10, and when I finally got one, it was the most basic one. I could only make calls and send 1-2 messages as it had only 5 MB of memory. And even this one, I obtained after spending two hours waiting for my mother to pick me up when my training was canceled, and I had no means to contact her.). And thus, books and encyclopedias became my sanctuaries.

However, the transition to high school marked a stark change. I found myself revisiting subjects about which I already possessed a foundational understanding, evaluating whether I wished to explore them further. This repetition felt unnecessary, failing to ignite my interest or passion. Nothing presented resonated with me, feeling disconnected from my aspirations. Upon reflection, I recognized this period as a stifling of my curiosity, a diversion from pursuing my true passions. I realized I was being molded into someone I was not, haunted by the question: Why should I spend precious hours on subjects that hold no appeal to me? Why conform to a system intent on reshaping me into something I fundamentally refuse?

The emphasis on grades, and the weight of external opinions, all became irrelevant. My desire is to follow my passion, to unlock and achieve my full potential. School, in its traditional form, seemed an impediment to this path. I had my “Fuck it.” moment.

Make no mistake about it. As I mentioned at the start of this piece, my issue is not with the school itself but with the educational system. To me, it is a system built in direct opposition to the natural rhythms of life. Graduates find themselves adrift after spending twelve formative years—or however long your country's academic cycle lasts (in mine, it's twelve years)—within this system. This educational structure has programmed these people to believe that their next steps are a mandatory progression into college, followed by employment in some corporate entity, leading them to mistake this engineered trajectory for life itself. This is what most people think. This is what most people do. This is the path most have been conditioned to follow. The rest have different callings. This narrative, regardless of its brilliance, is a fallacy. It's not a life I would choose for myself, nor one I would recommend to others. Yet, as I've acknowledged, I recognize that this path may suit some individuals, though it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Now, please allow me to elaborate on my claim that our educational system is antithetical to life. Schools instill in us a fear of failure. The goal is perfection, as clearly evidenced by the pursuit of perfect exam scores. The higher your grades, the more rewarded you are. But isn't this a distorted representation of reality? Life is a mix of successes and failures. Without failure, you cannot succeed. Without failure, you cannot learn. Failures are the lessons one needs to progress. Mastering this is an art that, sadly, few of us have learned.

Another aspect that starkly contrasts with the essence of life is the emphasis schools place on individual achievement in academia. Schools encourage us to work alone as much as possible, especially when taking exams. While I understand the importance of facing challenges independently, as life often requires us to do, I question why assisting another person's success is met with punishment. I'm confident many of us have either witnessed or experienced repercussions for helping someone during an exam—be it receiving a lower grade or having points deducted. This experience is not uncommon. Yet, I must ask, doesn't this approach contradict the very essence of life?

Consider how divided we are, how focused we are on growing our own interests, striving to be the ones who win, to be the ones with the highest grades, under the misconception that this is where progress lies. However, true progress is nurtured through unity. Significant achievements demand collaboration. Every day, we collaborate with one another and even with impersonal entities. It's a constant in our lives, yet we often overlook its profound impact. I view collaboration as one of the most critical life skills, a skill that has been overshadowed and replaced by competition.

Furthermore, one crucial topic I've noticed conspicuously absent from school discussions and curricula is financial literacy, an essential skill for adulthood. In today's world, earning money requires not just hard work but also an understanding of how to save and invest it wisely. Knowing how money operates is fundamental, yet who is teaching this? Some people begin learning about monetary literacy at 18, others at 25, and some at an even older age, with only a few exceptions starting younger. This gap in financial education significantly delays "students'" progress, as they metaphorically bang their heads against the walls of societal expectations without the knowledge to navigate them effectively. Taxes, savings, investments, and understanding the financial obligations one must meet—all these are critical elements of financial literacy that should be integrated into the academic curriculum to prepare students genuinely for life.

These are a few of the points of why I feel a deep sadness, as the potential of so many is left unrealized, their voices unheard, due to the flaws of the educational system. Don't misunderstand me; it's not the schools themselves but the system at large. To a certain extent, subjects like math and chemistry are beneficial. They broaden our understanding, shape our thinking, and plant seeds that may later grow into significant insights or interests. Yet, in my view, they fall short of preparing us for life's more practical aspects, including making informed, life-changing decisions.

And this is why I believe it's time for a change. It's time for the educational system to foster skills that prepare students for life's realities, not just academic theories. It's time for an educational system that emphasizes people's desires and passions, not merely repeating the same lessons that have been taught for ages. It is time to empower individuals to shape their own lives. I hold onto hope that, with time, this generation—my generation—and those to come, will challenge and reshape the educational paradigm. There is truly an abundance of talent going to waste, and it saddens me deeply. It's tragic. The number of students who could have excelled in their passions but are now chained to desks, laboring for someone else's dream, is disheartening.

And it's not that they cannot say "enough" and pursue their passion. Rather, they've been conditioned not to, awaiting some catalyst to push their button and spur them into action. This momentum won't come from their own initiative. I consider myself fortunate to have been blessed with curiosity, for it was curiosity that opened my mind and heart, leading me to ventures beyond the confines of the school curriculum and onto a different path in life. This path is tougher, but far more rewarding. Some of you reading this may find yourselves in a similar situation. Yet, what about those who do not?

I understand that these thoughts may not immediately resonate with everyone. If you have reservations or disagreements, I urge you to express them. However, before doing so, I ask you to take a step back and contemplate all the points that have been raised. Reflect on the conventional path that society dictates we follow. Consider how many people prioritize this path over their true passions, over the things that truly ignite their souls. School teaches us to do what we “should” but true joy in life comes from doing what we “want”.

I believe it's time to start a dialogue about what truly matters in the grand narrative of life. It's time to follow our hearts, rather than adhering blindly to societal expectations. It's time to break free from the confines of the traditional educational system and embrace a new way forward. It's time for change.

Artist Spotlight

Kay

Kay is a digital fashion and AI creator from Japan. I discovered her long ago, during the early stages of my journey through the world of Web 3, through The Fabricant. It was either during Season 1 or even before Season 1 began that we had the chance to connect with each other on Twitter. If I recall correctly, she was also part of The Fabricant’s team at that time (though I'm not entirely certain, just a vague memory). However, it wasn't this fact that drew me in, but rather her passion and excitement for digital fashion – a medium that we both love. I was thrilled to follow her journey.

Lately, as I've been less present on Twitter, I've had the opportunity to engage with Kay more closely (as she is not lost in the algorithm – Fuck you, Elon) in the garden. Some weeks, daily, while other weeks, it's more sporadic. But each week, for a few days, Kay blesses us with either a completed creation or a work in progress, providing us with a glimpse of her incredible vision and talent for digital and AI fashion. She skillfully blends elements of her Japanese heritage into many of her pieces, infusing them with cultural richness. Her love and talent for digital fashion breathe life into truly outstanding pieces.

I invite you to join Kay on her journey ( Lens - Twitter ). Beyond being a highly skilled digital fashion creator, from whom you can learn a lot about fashion's future, she is also a wonderful soul. In every interaction we have, I sense her kindness and empathy. It's not often that I feel this connection with people, which only makes me appreciate her even more. Additionally, by following her in the garden, you'll have the opportunity to acquire some of her beautiful pieces directly from your feed! Fulfill your heart's desires, support an artist, connect, express, and belong—all in one!!

ASAMI

Asami is another digital creator from Japan. (Both of this week’s artists come from the country that I feel deeply connected to—as my thoughts often stroll there, dreaming of living there). I had the pleasure of discovering Asami through Kay a few weeks ago, in the garden. It might have been a post she shared or a comment that caught my eye, sparking my curiosity about this soul. I wondered what I might uncover by following her. To my delight, I found a treasure trove of kindness, love, empathy, and captivating art, enchanting me ever since.

She frequently hosts livestreams on Bloopers, where she introduces people to Orb (a social app within the Lens ecosystem), plays games like APEX, and occasionally collaborates with Kay, among other activities. While most of her content is in Japanese with subtitles, she also speaks English from time to time.

I encourage you to follow ( Lens - Twitter ) her journey because I believe she has so much to offer. She already enriches our lives through her art, livestreams, projects, and other endeavors, yet I sense there's even more in store for us from her. Like Kay, Asami is one of the most beautiful souls I've encountered on my journey—her kindness and empathy resonate on a profound level.

Thank you for reading!

Have a fantastic day!

Eduard🌹