A boy is born, and both of his parents were Harvard graduates. In fact, they are graduates ofHarvard medical school, and are practicing physicians. Should the parents expect their son toget into Harvard? Better yet, let’s say the kid wants to pursue a career in law. Yet, given histalent, he may become a very gifted doctor and save millions. Is it moral, then, for his parentsto force him into a career in medicine?

In the Republic, Plato argues the boy should pursue his parents’ career for maintaining societalstability. Either through lies or discipline, the boy must be influenced to believe that adoptinghis parents’ trade is the best career choice. Such is the only method to align one’s desired jobwith their pursuit, which grants happiness that would perpetuate through out the republic.Stagnation may take over such a state, but at least the flux which has brought so muchsuffering would be stopped permanently.

(资料图片仅供参考)

However, that notion was rejected by 19th century philosopher John Stuart Mill, who found thepurpose of education is to unleash the full potential of a person. And by doing so, a person’scontribution to society can be maximized, benefitting everyone. Plato’s ideal world isproblematic not because it lacks happiness, but rather, it neglects the social good. Such is thereasoning behind having multiple departments in an university. The diverse academicenvironment can help students realize where their full potential lie.

Now, let’s keep that idea of reaching full potential in our head, and look at the dynamics ofeducation around us. There is something very wrong about it, isn’t it? We witness parents’verbal abuse of their children almost daily on academic matters. News of starving one’schildren for underperforming academically spawn regularly. Beating becomes a regularoccurrence and teenage suicides are as tragical as they are frequent.

Institutionally, it’s understandable that some of Mill’s ideology cannot materialize at the K12level due to limitation in resources. Yet, schools are working hard to provide multiple subjectsfor the students to explore their potential. While it isn’t much, they’re doing their best.

What’s wrong is with the mentality of parents. While discipling one’s children is as old as time,punishment for academic underachievement is very recent. Historically, punishing academicunderachievers happen only in either imperial families or children of top officials. At thegrassroots level, these punishments were exception occurrence recorded only once everycentury. Systematic punishments for underperforming academically appear in the late 20thcentury. In less than 40 years, all parents care about boil down to numbers and letters onpieces of paper.

Some have argued that parents are acting to their children’s interest. Better grades wouldmean better job prospects in the future. Other than exceptional cases, there is no doubt theparents love their children but that doesn’t excuse their actions. In combat, mass casualtieshappen not because the commanders wish that upon their troops but due to inexperience andbad luck. Care doesn’t equal wisdom. What parents do out of care, while noble, may not be thebest solution.

Yes, modern public education offers a chance for anyone to become a scholar if they committhemselves to do so, but it’s limited in its scope. Rather than doubling down on grades,parents should help their children explore their potential by either familiarizing them with theworkplace or provide materials about different professions.

That is not to say parents should completely disregard their children’s academic performance.Grades are useful tools to assess a child’s mental state. If something is bothering the child, the consequent loss of focus will show up in grades, giving parents time to react. However, it’simportant not to zero in on standardized grade. The child maybe good at something else likecooking or even construction work, but those traits were never explored. Yes, these may not behigh end jobs, but they are constantly in demand. And if those jobs bring the children joy, it’sperhaps necessary for the parents to put their ego aside.

We live in a post-platonic world where the Renaissance has re-examine classical philosophy. Inthe Republic, Plato admits that his ideal state exists only in the form of ideas, and it’s almostimpossible to achieve. As for parents today, it’s probably time to reflect on the ideal state youconstructed for you children in your head. Help them discover their true potential, even if thatpotential isn’t something you like. You can do it, I believe in you. After all, what matters morethat the happiness of your child?

When I decided to pursue law instead of medicine, it daunted on me that I would abandon afamily trade. Yet, that fear was alleviated when my parents gave me a warm embrace. Ratherthan scolding me for not pursuing a seemingly determined path, they were impressed by thelevel self-reflection and decision making of that 7-year-old me. Spoilers, they never read Platoor Mill, but I think the dying regrets of many patients gave them that revelation long ago.