“There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.”
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— John Adams
This powerful statement from John Adams, a U.S. Founding Father, cuts to the heart of a timeless debate. It suggests that a complete life requires two distinct yet complementary forms of knowledge. One education equips us for the marketplace. The other prepares us for the human experience itself. In our fast-paced, career-focused world, Adams’s wisdom feels more relevant than ever. We often prioritize professional skills, but what about the skills needed to build a meaningful life?
This quote challenges us to look beyond our job titles and résumés. It asks us to consider the quality of our character, the depth of our understanding, and our ability to navigate life’s complexities with grace and purpose. Let’s explore these two educations and find a path to balancing them.
The First Education: How to Make a Living
The first education is practical and tangible. It encompasses the skills and knowledge we need to secure employment and achieve financial stability. Think of vocational training, professional degrees, and technical certifications. This education teaches you how to code, manage a budget, design a building, or perform surgery. It is the engine of our economy and the foundation of personal security.
In today’s world, this education is essential. It allows us to provide for ourselves and our families. Furthermore, it empowers us to contribute specialized skills to society. Without a way to make a living, pursuing higher ideals becomes incredibly difficult. This education gives us the freedom and resources to engage with the world more fully. However, Adams warns us that this is only half of the equation. A successful career does not automatically lead to a happy or virtuous life.
The Second Education: How to Live
The second education is less about what you do and more about who you are. It involves cultivating wisdom, virtue, and an appreciation for the world around you. This education comes from the humanities, arts, philosophy, and history. It teaches critical thinking, empathy, and ethical reasoning. It helps us answer life’s big questions: What is a good life? What are my values? How do I become a better person and citizen?
This form of learning builds character and enriches the soul. It gives us the tools to manage adversity, build strong relationships, and find joy in everyday moments. While it may not have a direct line to a paycheck, its return on investment is immeasurable. Indeed, it is the foundation of personal fulfillment, civic responsibility, and a well-rounded existence. This education teaches us not just how to exist, but how to truly live with purpose and understanding.
The Founders’ Vision for Education
John Adams and his contemporaries believed deeply in this second education. They argued that a self-governing republic required a virtuous and knowledgeable citizenry. For them, education was not merely for private economic gain; it was a public good essential for the survival of democracy. . They understood that citizens needed the intellectual and moral framework to make wise decisions for the community. Source
This perspective saw education as the bedrock of liberty. A populace trained only in labor could be easily manipulated. Conversely, a populace educated in critical thought and ethics would actively participate in and safeguard its democracy. Therefore, Adams’s distinction was not just a personal philosophy but a political imperative for the new nation he helped build.
Striking a Balance in the Modern World
Today, we often face immense pressure to focus on the first education. Many educational systems prioritize STEM fields and business degrees over the liberal arts. Students are encouraged to choose majors with clear, high-paying career paths. While practical, this imbalance can leave us unprepared for the non-professional challenges of life.
Recent trends show that employers are increasingly seeking the very skills the second education provides. A survey found that an overwhelming majority of employers value soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving as much as technical abilities. . This data suggests that the two educations are not in conflict. In fact, they are deeply intertwined.
The skills from a liberal arts education—analyzing complex texts, constructing sound arguments, and understanding diverse perspectives—are invaluable in any profession. They foster adaptability and creativity, which are critical in a rapidly changing job market. A doctor with empathy provides better care. An engineer who understands history can design more human-centered technology. Consequently, integrating both educations makes us not only better people but also more effective professionals.
How to Pursue Both Educations
Achieving this balance is a lifelong pursuit. It doesn’t end with a formal degree. Here are a few ways to cultivate both forms of knowledge:
- Practice Lifelong Learning: Dedicate time to reading outside your professional field. Explore history, philosophy, art, and literature. Listen to podcasts or take online courses on subjects that spark your curiosity.
- Connect Your Work to a Purpose: Reflect on how your job contributes to the greater good. Find meaning in your daily tasks beyond the paycheck. This connects your