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 an end. Many focus on the possible social, economic and political benefits that can arise from improved education. While education is certainly capable of producing amazing results in these specific physical domains, 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, which will bring us closer to reaching 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 of being. The first step towards reaching our full potential is to gain a better understanding of ourselves. Simply by being honest with ourselves and using our ability to reason, we will be better able to come to terms with what our life purpose truly is. By taking an interest in the absolutes of human nature we will be much closer to reality, as opposed to an approach that is simply based on already established ideals. Armed with reason and a good understanding of our human nature we will be better prepared to understand and react to our own ...