[dash2]

Actually, until the mid 20th century almost everyone agreed that school was about building character, which can only be done in a social environment. As a British government report put it in 1846, schools should be "a little artificial world of virtuous exertion".

[elliotbnvl]

I believe we agree? Character and mental discipline are closely aligned, perhaps even the same.

[dash2]

Character was specifically moral character, which is related to how you interact with others.

[elliotbnvl]

Mmh, I have to read more about this, I'm not really familiar with British schooling models of the 19th century.

In any case, the problematic schooling model that persists to this day was introduced around the time of the Industrial Revolution, which predates your references.

[dash2]

I don't think the schooling of that period was the same as the schooling of today in all regards.

You could read more in my book: https://www.wyclifsdust.com.