Societal mindset, traditional education, and loss of authentic self.

The traditional education system started out to prepare individuals for their role in society and for future employment. It was designed to instill certain knowledge and skills deemed necessary for success, which has been society’s past and current definition of success. However, as times have changed and society has evolved in many ways, it has become evident that this system does not always support authentic development and true happiness, but unfortunately the educational system has not evolved much.

Modern society’s definition of success is quite narrow, it prioritizes material wealth, power, and status, which in some ways seem to promote a perceived sense of safety and stability in life, but it can also lead individuals down a road toward failure. This emphasis on external markers of success often causes individuals to neglect or even abandon the many important aspects of life that bring true happiness and fulfillment, such as meaningful relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose.

Traditional education often reinforces this limited definition of success by focusing primarily on grades and test scores, rather than fostering a love of learning and helping children to develop their unique strengths and interests. This focus on external measures of success can have a detrimental effect on children’s self-esteem, sense of purpose, and authentic self-expression.

For example, the pressure to achieve high grades and test scores can lead children to feel like they are not good enough if they do not perform well. This can harm their self-esteem and sense of confidence, making it difficult for them to feel positive about their abilities and to pursue their passions with joy. This mindset then gets solidified by the way we as parents add pressure on our children to perform well as we also believe safety, stability, and success in life are achieved that way. Therefore, while the intentions may be good, they are rooted in a fear of not meeting society’s expectations and failing.

The traditional education system often does not allow for the exploration of interests outside of a prescribed curriculum, limiting children’s exposure to a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. This can lead to a lack of creativity and a sense of boredom, as children may feel like they are not able to engage in meaningful learning experiences that align with their passions and goals.

Additionally, the emphasis on grades and test scores as the primary measure of success can lead children to feel like they are not living an authentic life. They may feel like they are simply going through the motions to please others, rather than pursuing their own passions and interests. This can have a negative impact on their sense of purpose and well-being, as they may feel like they are not living a life that is true to themselves.

This can result in what we now may experience ourselves as having experienced traditional schooling and adopting society’s mindset and could also be our children’s future; living a life that is not true to oneself and lacking a sense of purpose, which can have significant negative impacts on an individual’s well-being and overall quality of life. When we are not living a life that aligns with our values, interests, and passions, we can feel a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. This can lead to a lack of motivation, a feeling of boredom, and a sense of disconnection from the world around us.

Also, when we do not have a sense of purpose, it can be difficult to find meaning in life and to feel like we are making a positive impact on the world. This can result in a feeling of hopelessness and a lack of direction, leading to a sense of aimlessness and a sense of being stuck in life.

The lack of a sense of purpose and the feeling of living a life that is not true to oneself can also have a negative impact on our mental health. This can result in feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, which can take a toll on our physical health as well.

Moreover, when we are not living a life that is true to ourselves, it can be difficult to form meaningful relationships and connect with others. This can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be damaging to our overall well-being.

In conclusion, traditional schooling and the mindset society lives by that promote the idea that only external measurements of success such as material acquisition are the only way, results in not living a life that is true to oneself and lacking a sense of purpose that can have significant negative impacts on an individual’s well-being, quality of life, mental and physical health, and relationships. It is important for children to be given the opportunity to explore their intrinsic interests and passions which can be done by following an alternative approach to traditional education such as self-directed education and unschooling.

As parents/caregivers yourselves, if you feel like you’ve lost touch with your sense of purpose besides being a parent, or it may become more apparent once the kids grow up and move out, it may be beneficial to take the time to reflect on your values, interests, and passions, and find ways to incorporate these into your lives to live a life that is true to yourself and brings a sense of purpose and meaning.