Those who create benefit for others create value for themselves. In times past, an individual’s physical strength and endurance was the value of many for the few. Currently, it is the intellectual ability of the individual which can create value for others and therefore also for that individual.

Therefore, education, especially early education, must become the primary focus of forward-looking societies. Teaching children how to think, which means to reason and understand, is paramount. Memorization of data, which is now immediately available to all, everywhere and at any time, should no longer be the focus of education.

Educational games, which can be both interesting and exciting for students have an important role to play in early education. The games can be multilingual and competitive. Competition is a natural motivator. Early education may be enhanced by students attending traditional school locations and having the benefit of teacher-monitors, but technology now permits the remote education of individuals.

People are like machines, which can be created for a broad range of functions. The more complex the function, the greater is the value of that which can be accomplished and is necessary. Different societies and communities have different needs, but in all cases those able to contribute will have a value and therefore, in the absence of slavery, be compensated.

The level of individual compensation will be dependent on the relative significance of the benefit to others which the individual is able to provide. A neurosurgeon will be more highly compensated than a plumber, though both may work the same number of hours. The difference being essentially the length of the period of education necessary for their function. Of course, the level of compensation will also be dependent on who is paying the service provider, and if they are using their own funds, or those of others.

In summation, the cure for the international curse of poverty is a societal focus on early education that aims to nurture individuals who want to benefit others. Fortunately, all the pieces that are necessary to complete the task are available, though yet to be authorized, designed, or assembled.

 

Arthur Lipper

The foregoing has been inspired by the concern and vision of my always optimistic, friend of many years, Marty Cooper, inventor of the cell phone