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Blame the System, Not the Screen
In today’s digital age, it’s become all too common to hear grumblings about Generation Z and Generation Alpha. Critics often claim that these young people lack manners, are glued to their screens, and possess a worrying level of ignorance. But are these complaints justified, or are they merely the echoes of an uninformed perspective? A closer look at history and philosophy suggests that the root of the problem lies not in the individuals, but in the systems that shape them.
The Enlightenment to Education: Philosophical Foundations
The current state of education — and by extension, the development of younger generations — can be traced back through the thoughts of great philosophers. Enlightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Confucius envisioned education as a tool for developing independent, freethinking individuals. Rousseau, in particular, championed an education that allowed children the freedom to play, explore, and develop naturally, free from rigid constraints. Confucius, meanwhile, rejected the notion of education solely as a means to prepare for a career, advocating instead for a well-rounded development.
From Enlightenment to Employment: The Shift in Education
Historically, education aimed to cultivate broad-minded individuals capable of critical thought and innovation. Today, however, the…
