2. Education Broadens the Mind and Opens New Possibilities for Advancement

World Scripture

A good, all-round education, appreciation of the arts, a highly trained discipline and pleasant speech; this is the highest blessing.
Sutta Nipata 261 (Buddhism)

There is no greater wealth than wisdom; no greater poverty than ignorance; no greater heritage than culture.
Nahjul Balagha, Saying 52 (Shiite Islam)

Confucius said, “By nature men are pretty much alike; it is learning and practice that set them apart.”
Analects 17.2 (Confucianism)

The truth will make you free.
John 8.32

No man is free, but he who labors in the [study of] Torah.
Mishnah, Avot 6.2 (Judaism)

Teachings of Sun Myung Moon

People do not enjoy studying in the beginning. They might enjoy sleeping, but not studying—at least not at first. But after a while people enjoy studying, because they see that through study their area of activity is widened.
(36:120, November 22, 1970)

Everyone wants to have a fine son. How should you educate him to make him great? Some people think it lies in the quality of schooling, from kindergarten to college. However, education is for a lifetime.

Therefore, you should devote yourselves diligently to educate your children with proper values. Having done that, when one day he takes your place at the head of the family, he will represent you, having the same mind as you and following in your footsteps.
(24:257, August 24, 1969)

Parents think, “To get my children into good universities I have to make them study. Studying leads to success in life.” I do not agree. They tell their children, “You have to have knowledge to be successful.” That is not true. The most precious thing is how much you love your country and how much you love God—not know Him but love Him.
(144:130, April 12, 1986)

Educational systems in every nation of the world place too much stress on the value of competition and reward only the winners. They mold people for a life of “survival of the fittest.” This has been a plague undermining the healthy human endeavor to lead humankind into a world of peaceful interdependence. Now some intellectuals are questioning this emphasis on competition. They should understand that the emphasis in education needs to shift to cooperation, as it is vital for human survival. In light of this, the goals and philosophies of education will have to undergo a profound transformation.
(74:109, November 21, 1974)