[enkid]

There are some things that does make everyone more successful. More education is overall better for society, even if it's no longer a guarantee of "success." Some things don't really get diluted but can enrich the lives of anyone they are involved in (if we disassociate the word "success" from a comparative cycle). For example, healthcare, books, digital entertainment, internet connectivity. The comparative advantage goes down, but the impact to the individual does not.

[mrits]

I think we are witnessing first hand why more education is not always overall better. There isn't much point in having everyone learn British Literature on a 30 year payment plan.

[reb]

It's important to distinguish between education and the business of education.

I don't think I believe more education can ever be a bad thing. But the business of education in the US is an absolute nightmare that corrupts the spirit of learning it ought to protect, and I agree more of that business will not make things better for students.

[vezycash]

> It's important to distinguish between education and the business of education.

distinguish between education and schooling

[ThinkingGuy]

I like to characterize it as "selling education vs. selling diplomas"

[chosenbreed37]

Perhaps we need erudition or an education that is not as formalised and compartmentalized as it seems to be. I happen there is something to be gained from literature for example. But a degree is not necessary for that purpose. The degree ends up being used for signalling or to provide some structure to 3 to 4 years between high school and full-time employment.

[rbanffy]

> More education is overall better for society

And absolutely vital for a healthy democracy.

[throwawaygh]

That's why you mostly see this push-back in places with horrendously broken higher ed systems.

[AnIdiotOnTheNet]

> More education is overall better for society, even if it's no longer a guarantee of "success."

Perhaps, but you shouldn't make the mistake of equating schooling and education.