[BenjiWiebe]

No, it's not the degree, it's the place, and the easily-negative influence that can be found at many institutes of higher learning. Also forbidden isn't the right word. "Recommended against" would be a better way of putting it.

[jklein11]

Could you elaborate on this?

College, for me, was a largely positive influence. Admittedly it was expensive, but it was easily the largest catalyst for growth in my young adult life.

I'm interested in learning about what the easily-negative influences in academia are, because besides the cost I can't think of an argument against it.

[veddox]

Universities tend to be strongly influenced by liberal thinking and values (or are at least perceived to be). They can in fact be quite aggressively anti-conservative. If you're from a very conservative background, that isn't an environment you're going to feel at home in.

[jklein11]

I certainly understand where you are coming from. Putting yourself in an environment where you might feel ostracized for your beliefs sounds hostile.

I do think, however, that having a conversation with someone who beliefs are fundamentally counter to yours are tremendously valuable. It might help you empathize with their position, help you better understand your own, or at the very least make it easier to work with people who's backgrounds are different from your own.

Stepping into an environment that you won't feel at home in may be an excellent place for you to step outside of your comfort zone and grow.

I can't remember who said this, but a thought that resonated the most with me about college is that it is the time and place for making your brain the most interesting place to live for the rest of your life.

Ultimately, the decision is entirely yours, and college won't make you or break you. I can say that they were likely the most valuable 4 years of my life so far.

[veddox]

Oh, I absolutely agree with you! I'm heading for a career in academia right now, and I love university!

But coming from a similarly conservative background, I wanted to help you understand why some are rather wary of colleges. In my experience, it's by far not as bad as they fear - but you do have to get used to hearing people in your surrounding deride and insult your beliefs and values on a more or less regular basis.

[lgl]

He's sacrificing his education because of some religion ffs... Logic, reality and common sense don't really apply so any answer you'll get will be just a bunch of judgmental backwards thinking bs that has no place anywhere (except maybe in Kansas).

[jklein11]

On the contrary, the response seemed logical and genuine (I am not from nor have I ever been to Kansas.)

[veddox]

Please remain civil. Insulting language of that sort has no place in this discussion.