Dangerous things you were taught in school:
1. The people in charge have all the answers.
That’s why they are so wealthy and happy and healthy and powerful—ask any teacher.
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Your fort building, trail forging, frog catching, friend making, game playing, and drawing won’t earn you any extra credit. Just watch TV.
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[More from Forbes.com: The Six Enemies of Greatness (and Happiness)]
You will be rewarded for your subordination, just not as much as your superiors, who, of course, have their own rules.
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Now go read your creationism chapter. There will be a test.
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5. There is a very clear, single path to success.
It’s called college. Everyone can join the top 1% if they do well enough in school and ignore the basic math problem inherent in that idea.
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[More from Forbes.com: Why Weird is Wonderful (and Bankable)]
Whistle-blowing, questioning the status quo, and thinking your own thoughts are no-nos. Be quiet and get back on the assembly line.
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7. Standardized tests measure your value.
By value, I’m talking about future earning potential, not anything else that might have other kinds of value.
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8. Days off are always more fun than sitting in the classroom.
You are trained from a young age to base your life around dribbles of allocated vacation. Be grateful for them.
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[Related: Is Going to College Worth It?]
9. The purpose of your education is your future career.
And so you will be taught to be a good worker. You have to teach yourself how to be something more.
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