Human beings are separated from other animal life by the depth of their thought, complexity of their ideas, and free will. For such reasons, the length of time from birth to full maturity for humans is longer than any other living creature.
Formal and informal education aims to speed and improve this learning process. Invariably, the instruction includes development of communication skills, inculcation of knowledge, and the transfer one or more cultural frameworks from one generation to the next.
The goal of education is to increase a person’s ability to hear and read words and interpret meaning, express points of agreement and disagreement, and engage in productive dialogue. The ultimate goal is cooperation, service, and peace; failing this, the alternative too often results in disharmony, strife, and even war.
