learned

Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.
— B.F. Skinner

it is my opinion that many people in Singapore, maybe the world at large, have failed to acquire an education.

they do things without regard to the well being of their equals. perhaps worse, they do not treat others as equals. many regard animals as free to kill and profit from. they treat the earth as a given resource to exploit, to gain more inconsequential material items. yet, many of these items have no value other than to be a boost their frail ego.

what do they think when others do the same to them in return? some learn to be less intrusive, many do not. many are blind.

if education does not teach one how to operate in the society in a manner that is acceptable, then the society will simply lower it's expectations of what is acceptable. because too many people are doing something, no one is willing to take steps to stop it anymore.

what was not acceptable slowly gains a foothold to be acceptable. no doubt the society is a living state, it will change. it's inhabitants must decide what is and what is not acceptable.

is it acceptable for a primary school boy to walk and throw away wrappings from a toy on the ground? who is there to educate him? the maid? strangers on the street? the cleaner?

is it acceptable for one to ignore traffic signs and squeeze into the yellow box to try to go faster? all while jamming up the entire lane from the other direction?

fine works only if there are people to catch them to fine them. even then, the people may shrug at the low amount of fines.


if the people cannot be educated, what can be done?

we're doomed.