“If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Though the origin of this revolutionary phrase is disputed, many lessons can be appropriated from it. One such lesson is the idea that people are simply different. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to build upon what we enjoy as well as what we are good at. In the article, “Are Too Many People Going To College?” written by Charles Murray, the popularized notion that everyone should go to college is challenged. On the one hand, society pushes the idea that anyone and everyone can be successful, and with enough practice and dedication, one can achieve his or her dreams. On a more practical note, contrary …show more content…
While this appears to be an easily contestable claim, there are three main reasons Murray believes fewer people should attend college. Murray’s first reason is that core liberal education can be taught early on: “K-8 are the right years to teach the core knowledge, and the effort should get off to a running start in elementary school” (236). Murray is of the opinion that universities themselves are not meant to train skilled workers, but rather develop “capable and cultivated human beings” (234). The author is essentially expressing that significant information a member of society needs to know can and should be taught younger instead of in college. Secondly, he asserts there are many people going to college unnecessarily as they already have the skills and know-how required for their respective occupations. Murray’s last major point is that many students are only going to college in hopes of padding their resumes: “Large numbers of students are in college to buy their admission ticket--the B.A.” (246). He calls the B.A. an ‘admission ticket’ because since so many people are attaining one, it becomes a ‘reasonable’ and sometimes ‘necessary’ prerequisite even in cases in which such degrees are worthless. Throughout his essay, Murray argues against the education system and society rather than colleges themselves. He believes if the education establishment was altered and improved, there would be a lesser need for people to venture onto college. Murray criticizes, “Guidance counselors and parents who automatically encourage young people to go to college straight out of highschool regardless of their skills and interests are being thoughtless about the best interests of young people in their charge” (249). He blames both society and the education system for seemingly forcing college onto young adults. Finally, Murray presents the Aristotelian Principle as evidence to his unspoken claim: “Other