We are told from a young age that school is the key to success—that if we study hard, get good grades, and follow the system, we will secure a bright future. But is that really the case?

In Purpose Compass, the author highlights a striking reality: formal education only develops about 22% of our true effectiveness. Schools often emphasize memorization, obedience, and standardized testing, but they fail to teach some of the most critical skills needed for real-world success—financial literacy, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

At its best, school provides discipline and foundational knowledge. It teaches reading, writing, and mathematics, instills a routine, and exposes students to various fields of study. These are essential tools, but they are just the beginning. What happens when students graduate and face financial challenges, job uncertainty, or the need to think independently? Unfortunately, most schools fail to prepare students for these realities.

Ken Robinson, a leading advocate for educational reform, famously said, “We are educating people out of their creative capacities.”  Instead of encouraging independent thought, many educational systems train students to follow instructions rather than challenge ideas. They reward compliance over curiosity and discourage failure—even though failure is an essential part of real learning and innovation.

So, what’s the alternative? If school isn’t enough, what should we be doing? The answer lies in self-education, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. The most successful people in the world—entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators—didn’t just rely on formal education. They actively sought knowledge beyond the classroom, developed real-world skills, and questioned conventional wisdom.

📖 See Chapter 1 of Purpose Compass for shocking insights on how formal education fails to prepare people for real-world success. See more at seersapp.com/pc