Imagining a World Without Elementary Schools

With my child starting school, I began to wonder, "Is it really necessary to go to elementary school in the first place?"

Not because it's required by law, but is school truly essential for a rich life?

This book is exactly what articulated and explored those vague feelings I've been having.

I have always loved studying, both in the past and now, but whether I loved school in the same way is a different story.

Perhaps studying and school are two different things.

Reading this book made me think even more that it would be great if there were "places of learning" that anyone who wants to learn, regardless of age, could freely enter.

It's okay to go to elementary school.
It's okay to go to a place of learning.

I long for such a society.

If that happens, it should be okay for children to work... but we do need to protect children who are forced to work when they want to learn.

I see, compulsory education also has the aspect of ensuring opportunities for study, saying, "Anyone can spend their childhood time studying."

Hmm.

Building a society where those who want to learn can learn as they wish.

It seems simple, but it is indeed profound.

For now, as an n=1 case, I'll ask my child what they think about elementary school.

That was an autumn night spent thinking in such a way.