[haswell]

In a hypothetical post-work era where people no longer build their reputation via career, it’s not hard to imagine group dynamics emerging such that education level is no longer a means to an end, but an end unto itself.

Essentially a new way to establish hierarchies.

[fooqux]

Sure... if we ever get there, I could potentially see that.

But we're nowhere close to that. Also, if it's being used to establish hierarchies, I could still see that proof being important.

[haswell]

Maybe I misread your comment. All of this thread is speculative, including the speculation that degrees will become less and less relevant.

Getting “there” doesn’t happen overnight, but the point is that we are already heading there, and to the question “why get a degree if not for work”, I presented a potential future option.

> I could still see that proof being important.

This is key to the point I was trying to make. Essentially that the purpose of education may change over time, but the value of gaining an education will still be there in one form or another.