We've got to be delivering young people, and people that are

When Ann McLane Kuster proclaimed, “We've got to be delivering young people, and people that are getting reeducated, people who are getting reemployed, into the marketplace with skills to work together, to understand computers, and to be able to be a part of that 21st-century economy,” she spoke not merely of education, but of evolution. Her words are a call to arms in an age defined not by conquest of land, but by mastery of knowledge and collaboration. The ancient wars of the sword have given way to battles of the mind—and in this new arena, the weapon is skill, and the victory belongs to those who can adapt, learn, and unite.

Kuster’s quote is rooted in a profound understanding of the times we live in. The 21st-century economy is not built upon the old pillars of labor and production alone—it is built upon information, technology, and cooperation. The factory floor has become the digital network, and the craftsman’s hands have become the coder’s mind. She reminds us that survival and success in this new age demand not just knowledge, but the wisdom to work together, to bridge the gap between man and machine, and to harness technology not as a master, but as a partner.

There is an echo of Renaissance wisdom in her words—the belief that humanity must continually renew itself through learning. In the 15th century, Europe was reborn through the rediscovery of classical knowledge, leading to revolutions in art, science, and philosophy. Today, we face another renaissance—one of digital transformation. But unlike the scholars of Florence, who studied marble and paint, our tools are code, data, and networks. Yet the principle remains the same: those who embrace learning thrive, and those who fear it fall behind.

Consider the story of Japan after World War II. From the ashes of destruction, it rose not through conquest, but through education and innovation. Its leaders invested in teaching technology, engineering, and teamwork. Within a few decades, Japan became one of the world’s most advanced economies—