I was waiting in line at a fast-food restaurant with my two children when I overheard a man speaking to his young son, who appeared to be around ten. The man leaned down and, in a hushed tone, said, “See, this is why you need to go to college. You don’t want to end up flipping burgers like these people.”
The irony? “These people” were standing right in front of him, fully aware of his condescending remarks. His comment carried a heavy implication: that no one working behind the counter had a college degree, that they were all unhappy, and that they were somehow beneath him and his family.
Such statements are not new to me; I’ve often encountered similar sentiments, though it’s rare to hear them directed at individuals within earshot. The notion that attending college is the only path to success or respect seems particularly prevalent when discussing jobs that serve others or involve manual labor—whether it’s cleaning, serving food, or construction work. The unspoken assumptions are twofold: first, that those in these roles lack higher education, and second, that they are somehow lesser or less intelligent than others.
This mindset is a form of intellectual elitism, and it’s downright offensive. No one should look down on someone based on their educational background. Levels of education are often unreliable indicators of true intelligence or a person’s worth, and they certainly don’t guarantee financial, emotional, or personal stability. Education can often reflect privilege more than capability.
Many individuals who excel in their fields may not have had the resources to pursue higher education. It’s essential to recognize that belittling someone for their educational achievements is a form of classism that we must challenge.
Let’s clarify: possessing a higher IQ doesn’t automatically entitle someone to more respect or admiration. Some of the sharpest minds I know never finished college. Take, for instance, my friend Alex and his partner Jamie, who run a successful property renovation business. Despite not earning college degrees, they are two of the most astute people I’ve met.
Alex may be a “handyman,” but he can engage in conversations about politics and philosophy for hours. He voraciously reads and listens to educational podcasts during his commutes. His ability to discuss complex topics far surpasses that of many individuals with advanced degrees. Meanwhile, Jamie might show up to work in casual attire, but her intellect is formidable. Don’t challenge her to a debate; she’ll outsmart you in an instant.
Despite my own master’s degree in music performance, the majority of my income comes from freelance writing and social media management—jobs that don’t necessitate a degree. And guess what? I’m still paying off my student loans! While I consider myself reasonably intelligent, I’m not inherently smarter than Alex or Jamie. My degree didn’t make me who I am; it merely shaped some of my experiences.
This isn’t to say that attending college is pointless. For certain professions, such as engineering (a dream of my son’s), a college education is essential. Trade schools also provide excellent paths for gaining specific skills.
The crux of the matter is this: education level is not a valid measure of a person’s intelligence, success, or happiness. Judging someone based on their educational background is elitist and classist. Furthermore, the idea that intelligence equates to worth is equally distasteful. Even if Jamie were of average intelligence and worked at a fast-food chain, she would still deserve love and respect from those around her.
Every individual has inherent value, and we must stop using metrics beyond a person’s control—such as intelligence or educational access—to determine their worth. For more on this topic, check out our post on luteal phase. And if you’re considering home insemination, visit Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit for reliable resources. Additionally, WebMD offers excellent insights into pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Education should not be viewed as a definitive measure of intelligence or worth. The tendency to judge individuals based on their educational background is elitist and ignores the true value each person brings to society. Everyone has inherent worth, regardless of their academic achievements.
Keyphrase: education and worth
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