I used to think that the bedrock of civilization was institutional education - in other words, schools. I used to think you had to go to school to survive in the post-19th century era. But since actually going to the university, I have developed a better perspective about that. Now, I believe the bedrock of civilization are universal principles and values that help us become more aware of our self-identity. 

Yeah, let me explain - using this Genndy Tartakovsky’s hit animated television series - Dexter’s laboratory. the series is about a boy named Dexter who was so smart he built a secret laboratory in his parents’ basement. It’s more complicated than that but let’s leave that there. 

In the third episode of season three, we see Dexter - who is actually a high school student - going to university. Why? Because some aptitude test had deemed him smart enough to skip his last few years at high school and go study at a university. 

Here’s my first question: Why are crucial life choices made using some aptitude tests? 

Dexter arrives at the university and he ends up having a roommate Gabe, who is a party freak. Gabe believes that in a university environment, it is too easy to become overwhelmed with studying and that you need to take some time to party first so you don’t burn out. I mean I don’t think Gabe is 100% right but he makes a good point. A natural university setting is actually designed to put pressure on you. With back to back tests, assignments and examinations, it is really difficult not to feel the weight and burden that is institutional education. And as we will later see in this episode of Dexter laboratory, even a guy as brilliant as Dexter struggles under the pressure and he eventually burns out. 

Here’s my second question: Shouldn’t education fuel our passion rather than consume us with anxiety? 

Dexter eventually becomes a partygoer and gives up on studying. But he goes way too hard and eventually gets expelled for building a robotic hot tub and flooding the entire school. He wasn’t able to balance studying and partying or education and living or passion and desire. 

And finally, here’s my third question: what is the secret to living a balanced life, especially as a university student? 

If you have answers to any of these questions, leave your answers in the comments section. I’ll like to learn from you.