What is the end of education? Through the eyes of Rodriguez and Emerson, one may see two very unique perspectives in response to this question. Similar only in nature, in that both Rodriguez and Emerson believe there exists something capable of hindering ones education, their beliefs differ to some degree. The differences between the two derive from their own definitions of what dominant and non-dominant culture truly is. Furthermore, they both reached point of self actualization, realizing that education, in some ways, can do more harm than good.
Rodriguez made his ideas on the end of education apparent in his writings. In fact, those are the words he chose to end his essay, The Achievement of Desire. He says, ?I remember with my parents, growing older before I turned unafraid to desire the past, and thereby achieved what had eluded me for so long – the end of education. Upon close examination of Rodriguezs essay, one may find clarifying information on his views of education. Throughout his scholastic years, Rodriguez looked up to his teachers; they were his idols. He would only read books his teachers recommended and even then, only the difficult ones. Rodriguez enjoyed reading, not for pleasure, but simply because he lacked a sense of self. Merely bookish, I lacked a point of view when I read. Rather, I read in order to acquire a point of view.., Rodriguez explained, ? to fill the hollow within me and make me feel educated. In a sense this behavior was an example of Rodriquez borrowing the ideas of others; following the rules of his teachers and literature, but not the rules of his heart. In the end, Rodriguez was able to return to the life he lived before he became an imitating scholarship boy, thereby releasing himself from the torments of education.
Relevantly, the struggle between dominant and non-dominant culture played an important role in Rodriguezs life. In his essay, he describes his embarrassment towards his family for not being as intelligent as himself and the society he lives in. Relevantly, Rodriguez expresses his need to advance in the dominant culture of society; to conform to the standards of the scholarship boy. While on the other hand, he expresses his discomfort as every educational advancement drew him further away from his family life. Often times, Rodriguez would hide scholastic awards he won in order to darken the fact that he was more educated than his family. However, when it came down to it, Rodriquez realized that education is an experience, one that should not poorly affect ones life, but unite family culture with the educated world.
Relevantly, Emersons views on education stems a slightly different direction than that of Rodriguezs, but in essence they reflect the same ideology. Emerson believes there is a difference between Man thinking and simply being a thinker. Far too many times does education yield individuals with personas that simply reflect the views of others. Emerson stated, The English dramatic poets have Shakespearized now for two hundred years. This passage elicits the idea that writers, educated they may be, are lacking originality and self. In his essay Emerson discusses books. He believes that modern literature is a representation of thinkers, and not Man Thinking. In general, Emerson feels that books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst.
The true essence of books is to inspire, not to be copied from. This same philosophy, according to Emerson, applies to education; be inspired, but do not replicate.
In a way, the underlying theme in Emersons essay is nature versus education, more specifically, education as in the formal institutional setting. He feels it is a tendency for man to conform to the teachings of the dominant culture, education as a whole. Emerson wishes for the reverse, but inevitably nature is not the dominant force in ones life. To him, nature is directly related to the soul; spirit contains all nature. By understanding this concept, Emerson believes, one can know all. He does not want one to be a satellite instead of a system, he wants you to be an active soul, – free, sovereign, active.
From both readings, one can see that Rodriguez and Emerson have strong opinions on education and its flaws. Both writers feel strongly about expressing ones self and that education often hinders this articulation. Specifically, Rodriguez believes that education is important, but family and dedication to staying true to ones own identity is equally so. Emerson, on the other hand, rebukes the educational system for its tendency to promote imitation, making clear that demonstration of nature and spirit is the true way of discovering all. Overall, the lesson to be learned from Emerson and Rodriguez is that one must use what one has learned and apply it to ones life; only then will one achieve what is, alas, the end of education.
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