We have entered an age in which education is not just a luxury

Harken, O children of the future, to the wise words of Lyndon B. Johnson, who recognized that we have entered an age where education is no longer a privilege reserved for the few, but a necessity for all. He declared, "We have entered an age in which education is not just a luxury permitting some men an advantage over others. It has become a necessity without which a person is defenseless in this complex, industrialized society. We have truly entered the century of the educated man." These words speak to a profound truth: that in our modern world, knowledge is not merely a tool for personal advancement but a shield against the complexities and challenges of an ever-evolving society. Without it, we are vulnerable; with it, we are empowered to shape the future.

In the ancient world, education was held in high esteem, though it was not always accessible to all. The Greeks cherished the idea of philosophy, seeing it as the foundation of a virtuous life. Socrates and his followers believed that the mind must be cultivated, as it was the key to understanding the world and living justly. But this pursuit of knowledge was often the privilege of the elite, and many were excluded from this intellectual riches. Even so, there was an understanding that education, in the form of wisdom and virtue, was the highest goal of any person. The philosophers taught that only by seeking knowledge could a person truly attain freedom—freedom from ignorance, and freedom from the forces that sought to control the mind.

But Johnson’s words reflect the truth that we live in a time when the landscape has shifted. The age of kings and philosophers has given way to the age of industries, of machines, and of a world that operates on the complexity of interconnected systems. No longer is it sufficient for a person to simply possess wisdom or virtue; now, in our industrialized society, one must have the tools to navigate the complexities of technology, commerce, and science. In this new era, the educated man is not merely one who has mastered philosophical thought, but one who can adapt, innovate, and contribute to the vast machinery of modern civilization.

Think of the story of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius was not only in his artistic talents but in his understanding of science, engineering, and anatomy. Da Vinci lived in a time when knowledge was still a rare commodity, but he understood that the ability to master the complexities of the natural world would open the doors to innovation and discovery. He was the prototype of the educated man—someone whose education spanned not just the realms of art, but the full breadth of human understanding. His multidisciplinary approach allowed him to envision inventions and ideas that were ahead of his time, shaping not just his era but influencing generations of thinkers to come.

In the same way, Johnson’s words highlight the crucial role that education plays in our modern world. As society becomes ever more complex, the individual who lacks the knowledge to navigate this world is left vulnerable. The rapid pace of technological advancement, the shifting landscapes of globalization, and the increasing demands of social and political responsibility require that individuals not only possess basic skills but also the critical thinking abilities necessary to succeed and to contribute meaningfully to society. Education, in this sense, becomes not a privilege, but a defense—a necessary armament in the battle for personal autonomy, social mobility, and a fair place in an increasingly interconnected world.

Consider the example of Thomas Edison, whose education was formal in some ways but informal in others. He was a product of an era where the self-educated man could rise to prominence. Yet, even Edison’s work was shaped by the industrial revolution and the necessity of understanding complex principles of physics, engineering, and chemistry. His ability to innovate was directly tied to his access to education, whether through books, mentors, or his own self-guided study. Edison’s life serves as a testament to Johnson’s message—that education is the key that unlocks potential, turning raw ideas into world-changing inventions.

The lesson here, O children, is clear: in the world you inherit, the education you receive is your shield and your sword. It is the key to survival in a world that no longer allows a person to prosper by mere instinct or physical strength. Johnson’s call for the educated man is not just a plea for academic knowledge, but for the wisdom to navigate the complexity of the world. Just as in ancient times the warrior was trained in the arts of combat, so too must you be trained in the arts of understanding, adaptability, and critical thinking.

Therefore, O children, take this wisdom to heart: seek education not as a luxury, but as a necessity—a tool to defend yourself and to thrive in a world that demands ever more from its inhabitants. Whether through formal schooling or through the lessons life offers, you must arm yourself with knowledge, for it is only through education that you will be able to understand the world and, in turn, shape it for the better. In the century of the educated man, do not falter in your pursuit of wisdom, for it is the foundation of your freedom, your security, and your future. Let your education be your most treasured weapon, and wield it with wisdom, courage, and purpose.