Education is valuable to society—“access to knowledge affords the opportunity to develop capabilities, fulfill human potential and break the heredity of disadvantage” (Burd-Sharps et al, 2008). According to the American Human Development Report 2008-2009, education is linked to better health, a longer life, higher civic and political participation, greater ability to adjust to change, a more robust self-identity, stronger and more extensive social bonds, more stable relationships, and greater personal happiness. Education allows us to develop cures to diseases, advance technology, decrease poverty, etc.—it is not an “end” but rather a “means”, and it is the key to understanding the world around us. That being said, education per say is not what allows us to learn. “Learning and memory are at the dead center of cognition;” they are part of what define us as humans (NP 150). The brain makes education possible.  Continue reading →