Continuing Education for National Survival

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 325, Heft 1, S. 104-115

Abstract

Education in general and adult education in par ticular will determine the future well-being of the United States. The primary goal of education in a free society is to help the individual realize his potentialities and to enable him to expand his capacity to make wise decisions. The goal of a totalitarian society is the dominance of the state. The Soviet systems has a single philosophy which gives coherence to all aspects of life; there is a single organization in this system. In the United States there are many organizations, and we can organize and associate freely and voluntarily. Leadership in the USSR is assigned. Leadership in the United States is vol untary, fluid, and multiple. The economic needs of the Soviet Union and the United States are the same, but the methods and ends differ. The basic educational curriculum of a free society is that of the liberal arts and sciences. The teachers, students, and motivations of liberal adult education vary. To educate individuals to be responsibly free requires many meth ods, techniques, and tools; the goal should be the active par ticipation by the learner. In recent years United States educa tion has put increasing importance on educating the individual for responsible freedom in his private and public roles: in the home, on the job, and in the community. We further need to educate for public responsibility. Educational opportunities for our present and future leaders should be improved and expanded.—Ed.