4 replies to this topic

[Dirk_Diggler]

There are some things in life that you just have to experience in order to fully appreciate the importance of certain events or circumstances.

The perfect example of this is drug addiction. I am an addict, and I am constantly amazed at how no one can really understand what I'm going through unless they themselves have been through it. All the counselors, psychiatrists, police officers, friends, family, etc couldn't understand why I did the things I did to support my habit.

Which begs the question: Is experience a much more valuable tool than simple education? In Elementary school I completed the D.A.R.E. program with a B+ but it didn't teach me the life lessons that desperate drug abuse did.

The transformation I underwent due to abusing drugs was something I don't think I could have been taught or realized simply by living life. I was very spoiled and self-centered. Addiction taught me how to be humble and truly appreciate the things you have.

But the most important thing it taught me? Empathy. Being able to sympathize with people from all situations and walks of life and not having the smug feeling that I'm better than anyone.

I can walk into an Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting and every single person in that room will understand what I'm going through.

Being aware and on guard 24/7 is something I will have to do for the rest of my life. I have to watch out for the subtle thought patterns and behaviors that will sneak up on me and cause me to relapse in a second. And then leave me wondering what the hell happened when I come to.

[Alex Libman]

You need both, and the concept of "education" needs to be made a lot more flexible. The idea that first you go into a one-size-fits-all government-controlled school to learn everything you'll ever need to know, and then you work without need for any further education, is a century out of date. People should start both working and studying part-time as early as possible, and continue both indefinitely.

[forever freedom]

I agree that theoretical education should be only, AT MOST, half of education. We learn much more easily and effectively through experience.

[Marios Kyriazis]

Experience is better than simple education. However, I agree with the above that both are necessary for balanced learning. By the way, actively seeking new experiences is an ideal intervention for life-extension

[Dirk_Diggler]

By the way, actively seeking new experiences is an ideal intervention for life-extension

Agree 100%

Keeps the brain active and adapting to changing situations. Good point.

And to the poster who said we should start working at an earlier age...that's a very interesting idea. I'd like to find some places in the world where they humanely work and educate children at a younger age. I'm not talking about sweatshops or anything. But learning how to make a living should start as early as possible. The current practice of go to school, go to more school, and then go to school for a specific trade leaves many overwhelmed when they finally get on their own.

The most proficient addiction counselors I've encountered were once addicts themselves. They knew exactly what I meant, and they could see straight through my lies. It was amazing and inspiring because I could see that I really could achieve my dreams and not stay a slave to drugs. I hated when I was in rehabs where some of the staff weren't former addicts. They had this smug "I'm better than you" attitude.

But I did attend a rehab once that nearly everyone working there, from the janitor to the director of the place, and all of the counselors were former addicts. That was the most educational and fulfilling rehab I have ever been to. Obviously I've been to far too many...