For and against Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country It all started hundreds,

thousands of years ago, when the first people took their first steps on Earth. Since the very beginning, they have been trying to improve their lives, thus creating the wheel, discovering fire... As years went by, more and more things were revealed to mankind, more and more things were invented, and their lives were getting better and better. But then there was a point when the discoveries were so many and the progress so great (no comma) that the vast majority did no longer have access to it all. Therefore, it was decided that the masses needed to be educated. The necessity of learning was so great, the things to know so many, that soon, the first schools were to appear. Nowadays, studying is something natural, something that everyone does. Yet, I cannot help but wonder, is this really the most important link in the prospering of a country? There are arguments both for and against, and the decision is to be taken by each and every one of us. Politically speaking, education can be looked at from two different points of view. On the one hand, the ones leading a country should indeed have, besides a strong base of general knowledge, a further educational background, in order to be able to cope with all issues raised by a state. It is impossible, for example, for the Ministry of Finances to solve any kind of monetary crisis without its members having studied economy. On the other hand, though, with the level of corruption existing nowadays in most of the countries, no matter how educated the leaders are, the states wellbeing will be left aside for personal matters. Let us take the example of a corrupted Minister of Agriculture. Despite him having studied for years on end, when having to choose between an income for himself or investing the money into his field, he will, beyond doubt, pick the option that suits him best, thus, leading the country towards decay. Financially speaking, education involves money. If we look at this issue from one perspective, we realize that, in time, investing in education will lead to a higher state income. When a person graduates from university, he or she might end up bringing recognition to his or her country, thus helping improve the national funds. From the other perspective, though, schools, teachers, universities, books and all others necessary for children to receive an education require cash-flow generated by the state. Therefore, one might say that, as studying costs money, it might end up eating all the countries funds. To conclude, no matter how we look at it, education exists. Some might say that it is it that makes the world a better place, that it is it that differentiates developed countries from developing ones. Others might think that there are other things more important for a states well-being. I for one incline to think that, as it is a countrys duty to educate its citizens, it is the citizens duty to educate the country, therefore helping it grow and prosper. No matter whose side you are on, remember that education is the golden key that unlocks the door to freedom.