Trisha Lorraine Rodriguez

BSA 2
GE – Art Appreciation
TTh 10:30 – 12:00 NN

David Orr’s essay, “What is Education For?” made me ponder about what really is
the purpose of education. Are we really being educated? Is what we are doing now
learning? His essay confused my definition of education. Personally, I never thought
education as something negative although I am aware that it needs a lot of improvements
since not all people have access to it but I never looked at it at this side, that education is
also responsible for some of the unfavorable circumstances in the world.

There are a lot of points that I agree with David Orr in his essay. Here are some of
them. First, learning is endless. We will never be not ignorant as we cannot discern
everything in this world. There are a lot of things that we still do not know. How big is the
universe? Are we alone in the universe? What is the cure for cancer? Is the ocean the
real final frontier? And many more questions. Every answer generates more questions.
For every thing that we acquire, we are ignorant of its effects on us. Second, to truly know
something, we must also understand its effects on us. For instance, we know that exercise
is good for us but we should also know how exercising will affect us. Knowing why will
drive us to act and improve what is lacking. Last, knowledge comes with responsibility.
Education equips us with the knowledge we need to do things. It teaches us the theories,
methods, and techniques but we should make sure that we are using it for good purpose.
Almost all people nowadays are using technology. It makes our lives easier, work faster
and allows us to do more things but knowledge about technology also permits other
people to do bad things. Criminals are more advanced and have more victims through
the help of technology.

Aside from the points I agree with David Orr, his essay also made me realize some
things. He stated in his essay that, “Education is no guarantee of decency, prudence, or
wisdom.” This is true in today’s society. High ranked officials of the government studied
in top universities but they are also the ones involved in graft controversies and their
victims are the poor. A person may be knowledgeable but it doesn’t mean he has the
capacity to see truth and act wisely. Another thing is that I should reevaluate what success
means for me. I personally believe that success means being an accountant, have my
own house and car, build my own family and establish my own business. Success means
being stable but as the world face a lot of global problems, is this what really success is?
As we strive for stability, we should also endeavor for sustainability. The world needs
more people who truly care for our planet and the younger generations. People who will
restore humanity and create a better world. Education makes us knowledgeable. It is a
powerful weapon but it is up to us to become persons with wisdom.