Some people claim that the foundational principles acquired at home contribute more to future achievements than the expertise instilled by teachers and schools. Personally, I completely disagree with this view, as I believe both forms of wisdom play equally significant roles in shaping one’s path to success.
To begin with, learning values from parents and family is essential for long-term personal success because it significantly influences the development of qualities like honesty and integrity. As observed, honest people have a greater chance of accomplishing goals compared to those who are hypocritical. For example, if a sincere person establishes a company, they are more likely to produce high-quality products, whereas a dishonest person may be more self-interested, leading to lower-quality or even defective products. Although selling substandard goods may yield short-term profits, it is likely to lead to failure in the long term once product issues come to light. For instance, a Chinese dairy giant, Sanlu, went bankrupt after its dishonest practices were exposed. In contrast, organisations run by honest people avoid these risks and are more likely to thrive over time.
However, the expertise and practical abilities imparted by teachers and schools have an equally significant impact on future achievements. Firstly, regarding expertise, to further illustrate using the example above, while sincere businesspeople may establish companies with positive philosophies, a company’s success also depends on other types of knowledge gained in school, such as economics, business management, and marketing. If a company focuses solely on producing high-quality products without understanding these areas, it may struggle to succeed due to poor operational decisions and ineffective marketing strategies. Moreover, competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential for achieving one’s ambitions, as these abilities are highly valued in the workplace. If a person cannot express themselves, work in a team, or solve problems, they may find it difficult to complete tasks effectively and secure a promotion.
In conclusion, learning fundamental values and acquiring knowledge and practical abilities are equally important. While the right principles help people develop positive qualities that provide them with direction in life, knowledge and competencies equip them to address various problems and tasks practically.