Reading
Education by Emerson gave insight
into school, its meaning, and how that meaning is distorted to the disadvantage
of the student. However, Emerson was not the only wise mind to propose an
ingenious schooling system; 13-year-old student, Logan LaPlante gave a TED talk
in 2013 where he also presented similar ideas to Emerson. The lecture entitled Hackschooling Makes Me Happy, LaPlante
addressed his connection to happiness, and how his unique “homeschooling”
system has helped him to achieve that connection. His philosophy on schooling,
I agree with due to his informal and personal tone; this connects him with the
direct audience, and students across the country hoping for a different chance
at education. An example of this philosophy is exposed when he says, "What
if we based education on the study and practice of being happy and
healthy?" (LaPlante). In reality, happiness is the key to life, so
whatever in life makes one happy, has just reasons to be involved. Education is
also a major part of life as schooling typically lasts from ages five to
twenty-two, and lessons continue throughout the entire life. Therefore, if
society spent those years on preaching the key to life, happiness may be more
achievable overall. In addition, LaPlante continues the theme of happiness when
he concludes, "If you ask me what do I want to be when I grow up, I'll
always know that I want to be happy." (LaPlante). Upon hearing this in his
lecture, I smiled. LaPlante, being only a young teenager, does not have much
life experience, but certainly enough to realize how vital happiness is to a fulfilling
life. When grown up, it does not matter what job one may have if he/she is not
happy. Furthermore, his conclusion revolves around happiness rather than the schooling
system because happiness comes first, which as LaPlante states, is why it
should be a focus point in schooling. In other words, society can “hack”
school, “hack” life, to achieve happiness.
Caption: "Hackschooling in a Nutshell"
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