The Purpose of EducationIn trying to define the true purpose of education, people tend to focus on goals that differ from person to person . Most Americans view education as a means to that end. Many focus on the possible social, economic, and political benefits that can accrue from further education. While education is certainly capable of producing amazing results in these specific physical areas, perhaps we should not focus on its material goals, but rather on its mental impact, from which reason derives. Through the use of reason in the form of education, we will be better able to come to terms with ourselves and our environment, bringing us closer to achieving our full potential as human beings. It is our advanced intelligence that makes us unique in this world, and perhaps it is the use of reason that will ultimately reveal our true purpose. The first step toward reaching our full potential is to understand ourselves better. Simply by being honest with ourselves and using our ability to reason, we will be better able to accept what our purpose in life truly is. By focusing on the absolutes of human nature, we will be much closer to reality, unlike an approach simply based on already established ideals. Armed with reason and a good understanding of our own human nature, we will be better prepared to understand and respond to our own human nature. ...