Should You Go To University?

Summary

The video script discusses the value of university education versus self-education, especially through libraries. It argues that universities often create narrow, myopic thinkers who simply follow rules, while true intellectual growth comes from independent learning. The speaker advises against attending university unless pursuing a career that strictly requires a degree, like medicine or law. Instead, they recommend using library resources for self-guided learning to gain unique insights and develop critical thinking skills, making oneself more valuable in society.

Takeaways

• 🎓 If you don't know what you want to do at university, don't go. The speaker suggests university is only for those who need a degree for their desired job.
• 🧑‍💼 Jobs that typically require a university degree are doctors, lawyers, engineers, and pharmacists.
• 🌍 The speaker argues that much of what is taught in university is about maintaining societal functions as desired by the establishment.
• 🏛️ Universities can be places where you're indoctrinated to think in a narrow, myopic way, which is not conducive to independent thought.
• 📚 Instead of university, the speaker recommends getting a library card to access a wealth of knowledge outside of the university curriculum.
• 📖 The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-education through reading books, which can be more valuable than a university degree.
• 🔍 The speaker criticizes the university system for not providing access to dangerous or challenging ideas, which are often hidden away.
• 🏫 The speaker suggests that university education can make you 'stupid' by providing a narrow view of the world as seen by the establishment.
• 🌟 Unique and valuable ideas come from independent study and reading, not from following a prescribed university curriculum.
• 💡 The speaker shares his personal experience of learning more from the library than from his university degree.
• 🚀 For those who want to be truly educated and unique in their thinking, the speaker advises to read widely and independently, rather than pursuing a university degree.

Q & A

What is the speaker's general opinion on going to university?

The speaker believes that attending university is only necessary if the job you want requires a degree, such as for doctors, lawyers, or engineers. Otherwise, they argue that self-education through reading and using libraries is more valuable.

What alternative to university does the speaker suggest?

The speaker suggests self-education through reading books, especially from libraries, as a more effective and cheaper way to gain knowledge than attending university.

Why does the speaker think university can make people 'stupid'?

The speaker argues that universities indoctrinate students with narrow, myopic views and train them to be cogs in a system designed by those in power. This limits independent thought and creativity.

How does the speaker describe their own university experience?

The speaker reflects on their university experience as disillusioning. They felt that they learned little from formal coursework and instead gained more valuable knowledge by reading books outside the curriculum and questioning academic authority.

Why does the speaker criticize certain university degrees, like politics or journalism?

The speaker criticizes degrees in fields like politics or journalism because they believe these courses teach students to conform to a system rather than fostering critical thinking or valuable real-world skills.

What does the speaker say about the value of a library card versus a university degree?

The speaker claims that a library card is more valuable than a university degree because it allows access to a wide range of knowledge without the high cost of tuition. They suggest that true education comes from self-directed reading.

What does the speaker believe about the role of lecturers and academics in universities?

The speaker believes that many lecturers and academics are only in their positions because they 'played the game' rather than because they offer valuable insights. They feel that the real thinkers and dangerous ideas are often marginalized.

How does the speaker recommend someone become 'truly educated'?

The speaker recommends becoming 'truly educated' by reading widely from a variety of sources, particularly academic books that challenge mainstream ideas, rather than relying on formal university education.

What is the speaker's view on learning about media bias?

The speaker believes that universities offer limited insight into media bias and that real understanding comes from reading academic books on the topic. They argue that true knowledge on subjects like media bias is not adequately covered in university courses.

Why does the speaker reference Paul Keating and Jack Lang?

The speaker uses Paul Keating's mentorship under former Premier Jack Lang as an example of how personal mentorship and self-education can be more effective than formal education in developing leadership and independent thinking.