A Dialogue Between Father and His Son

A dialogue should be introduced here about education background and why we should read as much as possible.

A son asked his father who is a peasant a question: “Why we should go to school and read books?”

“A small tree can only be used as fence or burned as wood if it just grows for a year. But it can be used as purlin if it can grow 10 years. And its function will be of greater if it can grow 20 years, used as girder, columns or even furniture. ”

“In a similar way, if a child doesn’t go to school at all, he would just be able to keep the lambs rather than do other things. If he just graduates from primary school. He could only introduces some new techniques to grow rice or vegetables in the land and working as a construction worker in the big cities. Or he could choose to sell some little items. He can learn to operate some machines if he just graduates from junior school. But he can learn to repair more machines if he had finished high school.” signed the father.

“He could even design the high buildings, railways and bridges if he graduates from college. Moreover, he could even create or invent something we don’t have previously if he owns a master degree or doctor degree. Do you understand, my son?” asked the father.

“Yes, I do.” answered the son.

“Is it a shame to keep the lambs, to grow rice in the land or be a doorkeeper?” asked the father.

“Yes, it is a shame.” answered the father.

Father continued :“no, it’s not a shame. They don’t steal or rob anything. They just work hard to support their own children and parents. It’s not a shame at all. I don’t mean that a person who don’t go to school is useless. Just like little trees, they have their own value but not so big as big trees. A person can contribute relatively less if he doesn’t go to school or goes to school for only several years. And they can earn comparatively less than those who have accepted higher education. People with higher education background have really spent many years staying in school, but they can contributed more to the society later and they can relatively earn more and enjoy higher social status.”

In this conversation, the father has vividly compared the tree growing theory with one’s education background. It has deeply impressed the son. Since then, without any forcing or seduction, the son just often makes the best choice when it comes to learning.