Eugene's post set me thinking: Why am I studying what I'm studying, and doing what I'm doing?

While I began to ponder why, an answer began to gradually emerge: I am doing all this, because I am afraid. I am afraid that later in the future, I would regret not studying, that is why I must study to solve a future regret.

I am not against education, but the fixation on it as a means to an end. It is true that for survival's sake, one needs to be economically active. But it is more than survival. The truth is, that we are after self-actualisation (refer to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs). We, are after power. Nobody wants to jeopardise their chances at achieving self-actualisation. But the problem is, the education system as the only means of self-actualisation is implicitly forced down our throats, since the moment we could hold a pen. Is it really?

The questions that one should begin asking is: Is all the time and effort I put into the paper chase worth it? Is 10000/month jobs or 20000/month jobs really worth 7 am - 9 pm, 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year worth it? Is the stress, the unhappiness, the failed opportunities at relationships due to work commitments really worth it? Can we say it is worth it?

Its as if we are all living for the future, that we fail to live in the now. 16 years of my life will be ploughed into the system if I finish my university education. Another 30 years will most probably be spent working. Is it worth it?

Education was a noble ideal. Until it became an economic tool to justify who got the higher paying jobs. But education is not my life. Working is not my life. They are necessities, true. But necessities for survival are at the bottom of the pyramid in Maslows Hierarchy. Self-actualisation is at the top.

Some believe in the power of delayed gratification. The idea is, that what I don't spend today, I get back in greater proportion tomorrow. Or, if I don't play today but study, I can get a good job and be able to "play" more. E.g. If I don't splurge 1000o dollars on that home theater system today, I can probably invest this money and get back twice that amount next year. E.g. 2 If I slog my guts out at work, I'll be a millionaire and then I can retire in a few years time. The thing is, do you know if you'll still be around next year? Or even tomorrow?

These questions have no easy answer. Both extremes are costly. The key is finding a balance. And all balances are subjective; it depends on the individual. What matters at the end of the day is, what would make you happy?

"Don't live in fear."