Status Updates From Mortals and Others

he writes with a clarity with which i wish i could think

Curious learning not only makes unpleasant things less unpleasant but also makes pleasant things more pleasant. [...] It is a pity that learning has come to be considered in a utilitarian spirit, as a help in passing examinations or in practicing a profession. Our age is unwilling to admit the usefulness of what is labelled 'useless'.

At present, scholastic education too often generates a distaste for knowledge. Aristotle thought that man naturally loves learning, but he lived before the days of compulsory education. Until early education is made pleasanter, adult education will not be popular with the majority.