Universities Become Obsolete

Jack Smith believes traditional education systems are becoming obsolete and advocates for alternative education approaches, particularly "unschooling" - where children direct their own learning based on interests rather than following a structured curriculum. His perspective is shaped by both research and practical examples of successful self-directed learners.

Key Points:

• Traditional Education Problems:

  • Exams and structured curriculum kill curiosity and fun in learning
  • Current system forces learning topics without practical application
  • Traditional schooling doesn't align with how people naturally learn and develop interests

• Unschooling Philosophy:

  • No formal curriculum - children learn what they want to learn
  • Learning happens when skills are needed for practical purposes
  • Focus on maintaining curiosity and enjoyment in learning
  • Skills are acquired through real-world application rather than theoretical study

• Real-World Example of Success:

  • 14-year-old unschooled child learned business and real estate
  • Started with small land purchases, progressed to house flipping
  • Learned complex business concepts (LLC structures, taxes) through practical need
  • Financially successful enough to loan money to parents
  • Demonstrated deeper understanding of practical skills than traditionally schooled peers

• Alternative Education Approaches:

  • Forest schools - learning through outdoor activities and practical experiences
  • Montessori methods - self-directed learning with practical applications
  • Custom learning programs with real-world experts
  • Focus on maintaining natural curiosity and joy in learning

• Elite Recognition:

  • Notes that billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos created their own schools
  • Suggests alternative education isn't just for wealthy - principles can be applied by anyone

• Addressing Traditional Career Paths:

  • Acknowledges potential challenges for careers requiring credentials (doctors, lawyers)
  • Suggests intensive tutoring or accelerated learning if child chooses such paths
  • Believes early years of traditional schooling aren't crucial for later success

• Implementation Strategy:

  • Create learning environments based on practical experiences
  • Bring in real-world experts for specific topics
  • Allow children to pursue their interests naturally
  • Focus on maintaining engagement and curiosity