All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy

Why does one have to go to school for at least twelve years? It is said that this is because education is what places one in society. Society tells us that education shows the people surrounding how one should be treated by their actions, which can be created by the amount of education that person has. But academic learning is increasingly replacing play and experiential hands-on education. Education is now seen as a race, and the earlier you start, the sooner and the better you finish; yet there is no evidence that this push for early academics produces any lasting advantage for children. No doubt the importance of education cannot be stressed enough, but it is the same with the importance of fun!

Let us look at it this way: One primary purpose education is stressed is for students to get into a good college or university, which determines one’s career, which determines one’s life. As of now, colleges are steadily emphasizing the magnitude of a “well-rounded individual.” Notice it doesn’t say “student”, which is defined as somebody who is partaking in education; it says individual because colleges and universities no longer look only for the brains of the school, but the person with both brains and activities under their belt. Instead of sticking your nose in a book, one also needs to put their strength into pursuing activities that display drive and initiative, advises Katherine Cohen of IvyWise. “Colleges are mainly looking for what we call `angular’ kids,” she says.

“They’re not looking for well-rounded students; they’re looking for well-rounded student bodies. So in order to position yourself as an angular kid, you have to highlight those one or two passions, interests, strengths and run with them..” Others say, contrary to popular belief, colleges aren’t looking for balanced students after all. Instead, it is said that they are trying to create a well-rounded campus and that means admitting students with unique talents, interests, and abilities. A good education is far too common a subject for college applicants. Although is it important, it should be the only thing up ones sleeves.

What this society needs is a balance of education and fun. Although the need for an education is clearly stressed in today’s society, people have inadvertently forgotten that play is also just as important. Just as education is a solid foundation for what a person becomes, so is knowing how to have a good time. Character is primarily defined with two things, education and personality. If one doesn’t have a cheerful personality, developed by activities of fun, then their potential in character is drastically reduced.

Thus it can be said the value of having fun is just as significant as the importance of a well-rounded education. It must be stressed that education and fun be balanced in today’s society. Remember, “all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.”