Degrees Without Ethics: The True Value of Education

Education vs. Ethics: What Truly Defines You?

The phrase "If you're educated, why aren't you working?" is common for those with professional degrees who don't follow a traditional career path. Does education only mean getting a job? If someone chooses not to pursue a career, are they ignorant? Let's explore the difference between being educated and being sensible.

Education and sensibility aren't always the same. A sensible person can be considered educated, but not every educated person is sensible. True education shows in how you treat others, not just in your degrees. If you lack ethics or fail to speak politely, those degrees become worthless, mere "garbage." Politeness is key. It helps you achieve goals and softens opposition. Raising your voice or acting arrogant makes you sound foolish, no matter how wise your words. Society often mistakes loudness for authority, but pride and attitude are never appreciated.

Where Are Ethics Taught?

Ethics are shaped by various places. Every child is born with innate ethics, but their environment decides whether those values grow or fade. The first "school" is a mother's lap, where a child learns how to speak and act. Schools come next, teaching more ethical values through education. Books play a big role in building ethics at every stage of life. How do we measure ethics? For me, it’s about manners. How you communicate and treat others is vital for a harmonious society.

What If You Are Educated?

No matter how many degrees you earn or how hard you studied, if you lack ethics, you’ve failed at life. I’ve met people who never attended formal schools yet learned great manners from good company. On the other hand, I’ve known highly educated people who lack basic ethics. This shows self-learning is crucial for moral values. Without ethics, the world risks becoming a "mental hospital" where toxic behavior ruins relationships. In places like India and Pakistan, crimes by educated people highlight this issue. Education alone doesn’t change a person. Wealth might get you into top schools, but it can’t buy character. The worst outcomes happen when educated people forget ethics.

Conclusive Thoughts:

Character starts at home, not just in classrooms. Books can polish a good character, but they can’t create one from nothing. Education builds sensibility, but without ethics, it’s empty. Whether someone uses their education to build a strong character or to excel in a career is their choice, but ethics should always come first.