“Formal education is like travelling on a railway track whereas self-education is like crossing a forest. Formal education is like eating packaged food whereas self-education is like cooking from the scratch.” – RB
These are two different analogies to describe the differences between formal education and self-education, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
The first analogy, comparing formal education to travelling on a railway track, suggests that the path of formal education is predetermined and fixed, much like the rails of a train track. Students follow a set curriculum and are guided by teachers and professors who provide structured lessons and assignments. This can provide a sense of security and direction, as students know what to expect and have a clear path towards their educational goals. However, this analogy also suggests that formal education may lack flexibility and creativity, as students are limited by the established curriculum and may not have the freedom to explore other interests or pursue alternative paths.
The second analogy, comparing self-education to crossing a forest, suggests that the path of self-education is more unpredictable and unstructured, like the experience of navigating through a forest. Self-learners must rely on their own curiosity, initiative, and resourcefulness to seek out information, learn new skills, and develop their knowledge. This can provide a greater sense of independence and personal fulfillment, as learners have the freedom to pursue their own interests and passions. However, this analogy also suggests that self-education may lack the guidance and structure provided by formal education, which can lead to gaps in knowledge or a lack of focus.
Similarly, the analogy of formal education being like packaged food implies that it is pre-prepared, uniform, and consistent, with little room for individual customization or personalization. Self-education, on the other hand, is compared to cooking from scratch, suggesting that it involves more creativity, experimentation, and personalization. While formal education provides a structured and systematic approach to learning, it may lack the opportunity for individual creativity and exploration. Self-education, on the other hand, allows for a more individualized and personalized approach to learning, but may require more effort and self-discipline to achieve one’s educational goals.
Overall, both formal education and self-education have their own advantages and disadvantages, and individuals may benefit from a combination of both approaches depending on their learning style, goals, and circumstances.
