[Beanblabber]

I'm 14 and in highschool and I believe we spend way too much time on things that have no affect on increasing our knowledge. The textbooks are also surrounded by bureaucracy and they sound like they were written by robots. Every emotion, opinion, or different view of an event is thrown out. Math textbooks just give you a proof and some examples. Most of the time they don't give you why or how you would use it, nor the underlying proofs that were used to come to theorem or proof.

[sown]

High school is actually a trick question.

They're trying to teach you to take the initiative and do something other than complain (no offense) or not utilize your tools in front of you at 110%.

Don't like high school classes because they're boring or stupid? Then go to where good classes are. When I was in HS I went to the community college part time -- I just wheeled in and asked and they said yes.

[johnnybgoode]

The textbooks are also surrounded by bureaucracy and they sound like they were written by robots. Every emotion, opinion, or different view of an event is thrown out.

It's a good thing you've figured this out already, but boy is school going to be painful from now on. Everybody else is probably going to tell you otherwise, but perhaps you should consider a radical change in your education plans, especially if things just get worse. Maybe leaving in a couple of years and doing something more worthwhile, even if that just means going to college early. I know it sounds risky, and others reading this might even think I'm being irresponsible in telling you this. But I'd at least keep your options open.

[snprbob86]

I know I certainly wish I found a community like Hacker News in high school. Or even earlier in college. It is advice like this which others are afraid to tell you. Even if it is crappy advice, at least it is a unique perspective compared to the brainwashed masses.

[SlyShy]

You might enjoy the book Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen.

[phugoid]

Believe me - nothing is perfect.

No school, no ideology, no government, no schoolbook, no person. Don't spend your time lamenting that fact and using it as an excuse not to do your best.

In your situation right now, this week, this month, you can try to make the best of what you have. Understand the limitations, sometimes improve the system around you.

By complaining and feeling helpless, you will defeat yourself. I have lots of experience at this :)

[biotech]

I had the same problem with highschool textbooks. Unfortunately, many college texts are not much better. I recommend finding out what books are being used at good private colleges (for math/compsci, MIT is a good place to start) or in honors courses at state schools, and try to get them cheap on amazon. Even an older edition of a good book is better than your typical highschool textbook.

[zackattack]

I understand how you feel. However, I'll also say this: the books are increasing your knowledge. Get as much information as you can from them. If they contain proofs and examples, then learn those proofs and examples! Try to derive the underlying proofs yourself! Be more proactive. Also, I know you care about emotion, but it's "effect", not "affect". ;)