A Prussian Educational System and Financial Literacy Don’t Mix.

Our public education system is outdated and archaic.

It’s not shocking personal finance isn’t a standard part of a national curriculum to prepare students for the 21st century.

Instead, we still operate in a factory model, designed to mould workers into drones working on an assembly line.

Public education hasn’t strayed much from 1852 when Massachusetts governor Edward Everett turned to Horace Mann for recommendations to design an education system to prepare the nation’s youth for industrial work.

The goal wasn’t to educate free thinkers.

Punctuality, obedience, and a remarkable tolerance for monotony and boredom were the main objectives.

According to Philip Zimbardo, “The Prussian educational system produced these skills with military precision.”

The system was designed for mass conformity, not individuality.

“Regimentation is the name of the game, and lessons prepare them for life in a factory. How well their lessons prepare them for life outside of the factory or indeed an almost factory less society is another story.”

Is it any wonder that financial literacy is near the bottom of the list as a priority in most public schools?

Listen to Tadas and I discuss this issue right here.

https://player.pippa.io/5c1d3a90e6bc692c38b2221f/episodes/teaching-financial-literacy-to-high-schoolers-tadas-with-ton?theme=default&cover=1&latest=1

This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.

The commentary in this “post” (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Ritholtz Wealth Management employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Ritholtz Wealth Management LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Ritholtz Wealth Management or performance returns of any Ritholtz Wealth Management Investments client.

References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.

Please see disclosures here.