(essay)

Sometimes I wonder: does the government actually want people to be smart? I mean, just look at how expensive education and self-development tools have become in the last few decades! Some books cost as much as a week’s groceries, and courses that promise to teach you a new language or skill often have a hefty price tag, which most people cannot afford in today’s reality. It’s like the very things that help people grow and learn are set aside for those who can afford them, while the rest of us are left to just wish we could access them.

I always wanted to speak multiple languages fluently – imagine casually speaking French, German, Turkish, maybe even Japanese! But then reality hits: good language courses are expensive, and free resources often lack quality or structure. Why? Of course, you can learn some languages in schools and universities, but it is not enough when we speak about adults who want to learn languages for personal or professional self-development. However, I get it – quality education costs money. But if self-education tools were more affordable, wouldn’t society, in general, be smarter and better prepared? It’s like we’re being priced out of our own curiosity.

Then there’s the issue of what’s missing in schools. Why don’t we learn the essentials of life, like managing finances, understanding mental health, understanding of inclusivity or even learning practical first aid? We’re sent out into the world with diplomas and global problems, but many young adults don’t know how to budget, do not understand the basics of mental well-being, or even feel comfortable talking about things like sexual health. These are core skills, not “extras”, and yet they’re rarely discussed in schools, which is sad.

And maybe this lack of education shows up in the way we treat each other, too. We live in a world that’s increasingly complex, with so many issues around mental health, identity, politics, economics, and human rights. Yet, when I look around, it’s clear that many people aren’t prepared to handle these discussions maturely. They lack the background knowledge and critical thinking to navigate these topics openly and confidently. It’s not that most people are ignorant or naturally unintelligent, but without access to affordable education or resources, how can we expect society to be mature and responsible?

Sometimes it feels like the world isn’t designed for people to be too smart… So, yes, I often wonder if there’s a reason why things are the way they are. Maybe it’s just easier to control a society that lacks access to critical knowledge? Or is it just that making knowledge accessible is not a priority? Either way, if society invested more in accessible education and personal growth, I can’t help but think we’d be living in a much smarter, more thoughtful world. But for now, it is what it is.