10 Essential Life Lessons We Are Not Taught In School

 / 

,
Life Lessons We Are Not Taught In School

Life Lessons Not Taught in School

“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” -Albert Einstein

School is supposed to help children grow into wise, conscious human beings, by providing them with the tools needed to live a beautiful, fulfilling life.

The way school works in most places around the world, however, is far from teaching children those lessons that are essential to living this kind of life.

Here are 10 such life lessons not taught in school, although they are of true importance and which every person should know.

life lessons not taught in school
Life Lessons Not Taught in School

1. Knowledge doesn’t equal understanding

One of the most harmful things we were taught in school is that to know about things means to actually understand them. Hence most of us didn’t learn to develop our critical thinking and base our reasoning on our own experiences and understanding of things. 

Instead, we’ve learned to believe what has been handed down to us from tradition, without stopping and questioning whether what we know is true or not, which is preventing us from learning and evolving into wiser individuals.

Related: 8 Simple Lessons That People Take A Lifetime To Learn

2. Titles won’t make you feel significant

From a very young age, children are being fooled to believe that acquiring a college or university degree will make them feel significant and proud of themselves, no matter how much suppression they will have to endure. 

The truth, however, is that degrees and titles are never enough to make us feel significant since they cannot provide us with what we truly long for — empowering things like creative work, meaningful relationships, and inner peace. Titles can only provide us with temporary egoistic pleasure, but eventually, they will always leave us empty and insecure.

3. Failure can be a good thing

Most people, when they were school students, were in constant fear of failure. Students are taught that failure is a bad thing that everybody should be scared of and that in life we need to avoid failure by all means, as if it is some sort of an evil thing. But since mistakes and failure are actually what teach us right from wrong, being afraid of making mistakes can prevent us from trying to achieve new things, which can only stunt our personal development.

Related: 4 Things I Wish I Had Been Taught In School

4. Doing nothing is not a waste of time

When a child doesn’t feel like doing anything productive but feels like relaxing, contemplating, or playing, its parents and teachers say that this is just a waste of time. Hence children learn from a very young age that leisure time is meaningless and futile and that being continuously busy and productive is what gives purpose and meaning in life, which is causing them a lot of stress, usually resulting in mental and emotional fatigue, and all sorts of psychosomatic illnesses. Taking time off to relax and do nothing can help us enjoy the present moment, recharge our batteries, reconsider our way of living, and focus on what is important in life.

Related: Mental Health Benefits Of Boredom

5. Boredom is a healthy sign

In modern society, we think that boredom is a bad thing and those who are bored have nothing better to do in life. The truth, however, is that boredom is nothing more than a symptom of suppression. As school students, most of us were forced to attend class, and naturally, we were bored and lazy since we didn’t derive any joy from it.

When, however, we were given the time to play or do something creative that essentially allowed us to express our mind and heart, we were always filled with energy, being active with the totality of our being. Boredom, therefore, is a healthy sign showing that one is still a sensitive human being who wishes to pursue his or her passions.

Related video:

6. Work can be fun

In school, children are taught that they have to sacrifice their time and effort, suppressing themselves for years upon years in order to get a good degree so they can later find a decent job and earn a living. Therefore they have associated in their minds work with suppression and sacrifice. 

One of the essential life lessons that children are not taught in school though is that work can actually be absolutely beautiful if done with love. Work can be one of the most blissful experiences if it sprouts spontaneously from our mind and heart. When, however, work is being done out of compulsion — because we have to do it — it becomes a mere drudgery.

7. Competition is not beneficial

From the moment children enter school, they are taught that competition is healthy and that it helps them learn better, thus school imbues them with the belief that competition contributes to our progress, both on an individual and collective level. Studies, however, have shown that when children collaborate, they learn more easily than when they compete.

In addition, studies have shown that co-operation helps workers to be more creative, proving that, when it comes to creativity, the belief that competition is beneficial is just a myth. In, fact, competition and the war mentality that we see all around us has done a lot to stunt the progress of human civilization and contribute immensely to the everyday stress and violence that prevails in modern societies around the world.

Related: 7 Life Lessons We Can Learn From The 14th Dalai Lama

8. Exams don’t measure intelligence

In school, children’s knowledge and understanding is being tested by exams. School students who are doing well in exams are usually being looked up to by their teachers and those ones who don’t do well are looked down upon. This gives students the wrong impression that exams are a sufficient measure of their intelligence. The reality though is that exams, as we know them to exist today in most schools across the world, are far from measuring the intelligence of children. School exams are actually nothing more than memory tests which, in order for students to pass, they just have to memorize and regurgitate information, which they will most likely soon forget altogether once they graduate from school.

Related: This Viral Intelligence Test Separates the Fakes from the Real Geniuses – Can You Solve It?

9. Money can’t buy happiness

The reason children are being given for going to school is that by doing so they will manage at some point later in their life to earn plenty of money that will allow them to live a good, happy life. Therefore children come to believe that money should be the primary goal in life, and that it is the main thing that will bring them happiness and success. And although in our economic system it is true that money is needed to buy us food and shelter, it is never enough to buy us happiness. Happiness, as research shows, is mainly derived from healthy relationships with people and is almost entirely unrelated to money, once our basic physical needs are satisfied.

10. Non-conformity is a good thing

Every person is unique, without exception. Yet since we were very young, we have been taught that we should conform to society, follow rules, and walk on a ready-made path created by others. This is particularly done in school, were children have to obey to the authority of their teachers, as well as accept and believe what they are being taught by them. All the great minds that have walked on Earth, however, chose to not conform, but doubt belief, doubt authority, and think for themselves. The way of non-conformity is certainly not an easy way to follow, but it is the only way to live a truly free and fulfilled life.

“A child educated only at school is an uneducated child.” ~George Santayana


Written by Sofo Archon
This article was originally published on Unbounded Spirit.

Life Lessons We Are Not Taught In School pin

— Share —

— About the Author —

Responses

  1. Sara Ajagu Avatar
    Sara Ajagu

    You forgot: respect the Earth and all living things.

Leave a Reply



Up Next

4 Ways To Find Greater Fulfillment In Life

Finding Greater Fulfillment In Life: Ways To Achieve That

Living a fulfilling and purposeful life is one of the most underrated mindsets and skills to have. But what are the best ways you can go about finding fulfillment in life? Let’s find out, shall we?

Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, theologian, and poet is considered by many to be the father of existentialism.

His work focuses on individual experience and the importance of personal choice and commitment, and his philosophy offers insights into living authentically and finding fulfillment amidst the distractions and pressures of the modern world.

In the course of Kierkegaard’s writings, instructive themes emerge for how to navigate life’s complexities with integrity and purpose. Here are four.



Up Next

Pure Soul Meaning: 12 Signs Of A Pure Soul That You Absolutely Need To Know About

Pure Soul Meaning And Signs Of A Person With Pure Soul

Have you ever met someone who is truly and genuinely a good person? Someone who is kind, compassionate, calm, and loves people unconditionally? Then you’ve just met a “pure soul.” But what is pure soul meaning?

People who have a pure soul often possess a certain quality that sets them apart from the rest, captivating us with their genuine kindness and warmth. Their presence seems to illuminate the room and touch the hearts of those around them. But what does it truly mean to have a pure soul? 

Today, we embark on a captivating journey to unravel the depths of its meaning. Join us as we explore the signs and characteristics that define these remarkable beings.

What is a Pure Soul?



Up Next

6 Therapeutic Japanese Words With Deep Meaning

Japanese Words With Deep Meanings That Bring Peace of Mind

Japan has figured out how to bring us tranquility. This country is full of therapeutic Japanese words with deep meanings that will make your soul feel at peace.

Living in a world that moves at the speed of light, it is so easy to get caught up in the chaos. Stress seems to be on every street corner and finding peace and serenity seems to be nothing more than a pipe dream.

These Japanese phrases with deep meaning gently remind us all to just slow down, take a deep breath, and find peace in the present moment. Each word carries its weight when it comes to finding harmony within oneself and achieving an unmatched sense of peace.

So let’s dive into six therapeutic Japanese words with deep meanings that can give you instant tranquility in this hectic world we live in!



Up Next

The Key To Building A Thriving Relationship: Insights From Dr. Stan Tatkin

Maintaining A Thriving Relationship: Important Steps

Ever wondered what it takes to maintain a thriving relationship? Dr. Stan Tatkin has shared some really eye-opening tips that could change the way you think about love and bonding!

In a recent interview, Dr. Stan Tatkin, a renowned marriage and family therapist, researcher, and author of the best selling book In Each Other’s Care, shared invaluable insights on how to create and maintain a thriving relationship.

Dr. Tatkin’s expertise in couples therapy and his psychobiological a



Up Next

8 Signs You Are On The Wrong Path In Life

Signs You Are On The Wrong Path In Life

Life is a very unpredictable thing, with its many twists and turns and unexpected changes, and sometimes we find ourselves walking on the wrong path. It’s like you took a small detour, and suddenly you find yourself on the opposite side of where you were meant to be! In this article, we are going to talk about the signs you are on the wrong path in life.

In our busy and rapidly changing world, it’s important to stay focused, and live a life that aligns with your dreams, aspirations, and goals.

So, if you relate to these eight signs you are on the wrong path in life, then don’t worry, because once you understa



Up Next

What To Say When Someone Dies — And 7 Things Not To Say

What To Say When Someone Dies? Best And Worst Things

Death is hard. Finding the right words to say when someone’s hurting can be even harder. Wondering what to say when someone dies? Below are some do’s and don’ts for you to note down!

“I’m sorry for your loss” is a classic line, but it might not always hit the mark. Sometimes, it can feel like a generic response rather than genuine comfort. There are many other comforting words to say when someone dies. Let’s break it down below.

Related: How To Overcome The Fear Of Losing Someone You Love: 10 Tips



Up Next

7 Toxic Beliefs Normalized By Society : Time to Challenge the Norms!

Toxic Beliefs Normalized By Society: Rethinking Norms

We have grown up in a society where lots of harmful beliefs have been considered normal for centuries. It’s 2024 now, and even though society has changed in ways, there are still many things that are wrong with it. Even today, there’re so many toxic beliefs normalized by society, and it can feel frustrating to say the least.

These harmful beliefs considered normal by society can greatly shape your thoughts, actions, and connections without you even realizing it. Let’s explore 7 of the most toxic beliefs normalized by society, and how normalization of toxic behavior can be extremely dangerous for us.