Work is a noble activity. Work is consequential and distinguished. It not only provides a way to earn a living, but it represents the potential path to fulfillment, satisfaction and happiness. Education is an essential part of the route to get there.

It may not represent the vast majority of young people, but it seems that some kids want to be a famous YouTube celebrity or a highly successful software genius so they can be like Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg or Khloe Kardashian - gaining great wealth, freedom and celebrity. The American Dream seems to have been drowned out by this new definition of success that is demanded by young people like it’s some entitlement or some expected result of existence or living.

As a society, we let our values fade in exchange for these flimsy new values. Values that are seemingly ubiquitous online and throughout our society. It used to be that what was really admired was someone who worked to be the best they could be. Now, we measure by dollars and clicks

There is nothing wrong with lofty dreams. People should be encouraged to dream and follow their dreams. But the statistics say that there won’t be very many Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerbergs or Khloe Kardashians.

The point here is that it’s really quite honorable to be a ditch digger. If you want to be a ditch digger, be the best ditch digger you know how to be. If you’re going to be a gardener, be the best gardener in town If you want to be a doctor or lawyer, then be really good at it.

If you want to be your own boss, capitalism is still alive and profit provides more than enough incentive. Some people chose to be entrepreneurs and do it themselves. There are other non-monetary reasons for doing your own thing. Some goals are subjective and some goals are objective. As long as they’re compatible, you can have both.

But, whatever your goal is, be a competent person, be a good husband and family guy, be a good employee, be a good group member and be a good World Citizen

It may start with an inspiration, a dream or ideas, but it is brought to life and manifested through education

There are worthwhile goals and there is worthwhile education.

The solution is probably not dissuading students from thinking big. We should encourage them to dream big. We also need to inform them of the realities and teach them that there is an abundance of choices that are legitimate and worthwhile.

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#46 - Goals

#47 - You Can’t Have That

#45 - Content Guidelines