Me too Jennifer. I actually had turned to drugs before being lucky enough after my marriage break-up, to come across a social worker who was able to break through the anger and resentment etc that I felt toward a society that had excluded me and regarded me as a waste of space.

The 'abuse' that was hurled at people who couldn't find jobs back in the 80's when there was a large unemployment problem was really cruel and counter-productive as it created many of the long term unemployed we have now. For some of us who are less resilient and find that names do 'hurt' us, developed disabling psychological problems from that abuse.

I know my ex was probably a 'weak' man but it was the constant message that he was a 'dole bludger' and it was his fault that we were failing so badly to live up to societies expectations, that was critical in him developing a 'paranoid personality disorder' and now he really is 'useless'.

My university education, I believe, was critical in providing me with the skills that meant that my kids have all turned out great and are all working and paying tax - and lots of it in one case.

I think that the high level of university education we have in Australia is one reason we are doing better than a lot of other countries and I think that some of these people who denigrate a university education and think their real life experiences are all they need to see 'reality' should try it for themselves and then they would have some real life basis for their opinion.

Jennifer,

I admire your efforts at self-improvement. However I am reminded of a speech given by the Rector of my college in my final year.

His words have resounded throughout my life.

It went soimething like this.

Everybody has a cup of learning, some have very large cups, some have very small cups. The efforts of those who fill their cups to the brim is worth more than the efforts of those who only half fill their cups.

Unfortunately quite often it is evidenced today the effort of those who fill their tiny cups is often seen as inferior to those who only half-fill their very large cups.

I do not want to disparrage your efforts. I can see you've done your utmost. The point I'm making is the effort of street cleaner who is the very best street cleaner is equal to the effort you've shown.

It's my experience today many supposed well educated and knowledgeable will pour scorn on this view and many more will only see the results of the un-equal efforts as where the value accures. Often it is in subtle wauys with simple questions like: what degree do you hold? or statements like: I'm a graduate of economics and an expert in the field of climate science.

I've no degrees and have often, over many yeaers, been looked down upon by and been condescended towards in such fashion by my 'educated' betters.

Often my comprehension and intellect is far superior to many because I have educated myself by reading and by learning through practical application. I tend to command respect through competent communication.

I speak three languages. Employ myself and three others gainfully. Am sort of retired. I have raised two children ... solo. One is a competent and able electrical engineer and the other is to become a mum. She'll be a very competent and able mum. All our life choices are respected equally by each of us.

Life generally is not as such today.

Jennifer,

I admire your efforts at self-improvement. However I am reminded of a speech given by the Rector of my college in my final year.

His words have resounded throughout my life.

It went something like this.

Everybody has a cup of learning, some have very large cups, some have very small cups. The efforts of those who fill their cups to the brim is worth more than the efforts of those who only half fill their cups.

Unfortunately quite often it is evidenced today the effort of those who fill their tiny cups is often seen as inferior to those who only half-fill their very large cups.

I do not want to disparrage your efforts. I can see you've done your utmost. The point I'm making is the effort of street cleaner who is the very best street cleaner is equal to the effort you've shown.

It's my experience today many supposed well educated and knowledgeable will pour scorn on this view and many more will only see the results of the un-equal efforts as where the value accures. Often it is in subtle wauys with simple questions like: what degree do you hold? or statements like: I'm a graduate of economics and an expert in the field of climate science and I know the facts of etc etc

I've no degrees and have often, over many years, been looked down upon by and been condescended towards in such fashion by my 'educated' betters.

Often my comprehension and intellect is far superior to many because I have educated myself by reading and by learning through practical application. I tend to command respect through competent communication.

I speak three languages. Employ myself and three others gainfully. Am sort of retired. I have raised two children ... solo. One is a competent and able electrical engineer and the other is to become a mum. She'll be a very competent and able mum. All our life choices are respected equally by each of us.

Life generally is not as such today.

imajulianutter,

If you've educated yourself through reading and practical application - which might be termed "informal" education - you "have" indulged in gaining an education.

If your street sweeper lives a fulfilling life and follows his passions and interests, then he will have fulfilled his potential as well.

Learning in all societies is lifelong and can be formal or informal. Making the most of one's propensities and talents and the fulfillment gained from doing so bestows a sense of purpose to each individual.

imajulianutter

If people are condescending because you don't have a degree, they are not your betters and it is not right to assume that everyone who has a degree is similarly condescending.

Self education is wonderful for one's own satisfaction and growth, but the 'scientific method' is the basis on which science rests and this isn't easily followed though self education.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method

Mollydukes
"during the '90's the Arts faculty and their antics were regarded as a source of some amusement by the psychologists, biologists and engineers."

Not much has changed. Arts students and grads are still the butt of many jokes. I used to sympathise with the Arts grads, being one myself, but I've become quite veraciously anti-Arts. Why you ask? Because of articles like this one supporting asylum seekers/refugees/illegal immigrants. The Arts care more for people on the other side of the planet than they do their own people. Where are the Arts grad helping the Aussie homeless, where are they helping to decrease the male suicide rate, where are they trying to help male victims of violence, where are they trying to help men who are struggling financially? The trend in the Arts is to oppose anything Western/white/male and support everything not Western/white/male.
The Arts should have the majority of its funding withdrawn until it creates something of use to Australians, instead of producing grads who have nothing but hate for Australians.