I don't think anybody anywhere can talk about the future of their

"I don't think anybody anywhere can talk about the future of their people or of an organization without talking about education. Whoever controls the education of our children controls our future." These powerful words from Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, underline the profound truth that the future of any society, community, or organization is intricately linked to its education. To control the minds and hearts of the next generation is to hold the very keys to progress, identity, and power. Education is not merely the passing of knowledge, but the shaping of values, visions, and beliefs that will determine the direction of future generations.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers and leaders understood the power of education. In Athens, it was through the philosophical schools that young minds were cultivated, learning not only the arts and sciences but the wisdom of the ages. Socrates, the great thinker, emphasized the importance of critical thinking and self-reflection, for he knew that a well-educated mind could question, innovate, and transform society. To shape the future, he believed, was to shape the education of the youth. The Greek city-states understood that the strength of their civilization rested on how well they educated their citizens, and in doing so, they created a lasting legacy of intellectual achievement.

Mankiller’s words resonate deeply in this context, for they recognize that education is not just about learning facts, but about instilling a sense of purpose and vision. Those who control education, whether consciously or unconsciously, shape the future narrative of a people. Consider the Roman Empire, where education was a means of solidifying Roman culture and values across vast territories. Roman children were taught the principles of Roman law, ethics, and military discipline, ensuring that the legacy of Roman civilization endured. Their education system was designed not just to impart knowledge, but to reinforce a collective identity that shaped their future as a powerful empire.

The power of education to shape the future can also be seen in the story of Mahatma Gandhi. As a young man, Gandhi was sent to England to study law, but it was through his education that he learned the power of non-violent resistance. His education gave him the tools to challenge the British Empire, yet he understood that the future of India rested not in the hands of politicians alone, but in the hearts and minds of its people. Gandhi’s vision for India was rooted in an education system that would create a self-sustaining and empowered population, one capable of forging its own path to independence. His deep belief in the transformative power of education drove his efforts to reshape the future of his people.

Mankiller’s statement also calls attention to the importance of cultural preservation through education. In the case of the Cherokee Nation, she understood that the future of her people was not only determined by political leadership but by the ability to pass down the rich traditions, history, and values of her people to the next generation. When education is disconnected from the culture and identity of a people, it creates a future devoid of roots, leaving the young disconnected from their heritage. Mankiller’s leadership was, in part, a call for a system of education that could integrate the modern world with the wisdom of the past, ensuring the survival and thriving of her people.

The lesson to be learned here is clear: education is the foundation of the future. Whether we speak of a nation, a community, or a family, the direction of our future lies in how we educate the young. Wilma Mankiller reminds us that to control education is to control the future, for it is through education that we pass on the values, beliefs, and skills that will shape the society of tomorrow. As we move forward, we must recognize that the work of education is never just about the transmission of knowledge; it is about the creation of future leaders, thinkers, and creators who will forge the world that is to come.

As we stand in the present, let us reflect on our responsibility to educate those who will come after us. Let us commit to shaping education in such a way that it nurtures not just knowledge, but also character, purpose, and vision. The choices we make today about the values we impart and the tools we provide will determine the future we leave for our children. If we wish to ensure a world that is wise, just, and compassionate, we must begin with a commitment to educating the next generation with all the depth, integrity, and vision that such a future demands.