Due to the limits of national budgets, many today are fiercely debating the proper level of funding for the arts and study. While some argue that the arts have important historic value, I side with those who recognize the societal value of education.
On the one hand, many insist that the arts are an important reminder of national history. A good example of this would be the countless paintings of historic events and key figures that became prominent and fashionable during the Renaissance. These pictures now deepen not only our understanding of those events but also the psychology and values of the individuals producing and becoming patrons of art at that time. It is therefore likely that art made today will also give important clues to future generations as to the history and character of their ancestors.
On the other hand, teaching is the key to the progress of a nation. This can be most clearly seen in developing countries. After World War II, for instance, South Korea’s economy was decimated and there were few pathways to a stable nation. The government invested massively in education and the result is some of the most important companies in the world were founded ranging from Samsung to LG to Hyundai. These companies contribute to the economy and have greatly raised the standard of living for all citizens. I believe efforts to fund education like the one detailed above have a clear and tangible impact.
In conclusion, art is important for its value in terms of history but education is by far more important for its economic effects. Governments should strike some balance but prioritise education.
Due to the limits of national budgets,
many
today
are
fiercely
debating the proper level of funding for the
arts
and study. While
some
argue that the
arts
have
important
historic
value
, I side with those who recognize the societal
value
of education.
On the one hand,
many
insist that the
arts
are an
important
reminder of national history. A
good
example of this would be the countless paintings of historic
events
and key figures that became prominent and fashionable during the Renaissance. These pictures
now
deepen not
only
our understanding of those
events
but
also
the psychology and values of the individuals producing and becoming patrons of
art
at that time. It is
therefore
likely that
art
made
today
will
also
give
important
clues to future generations as to the history and character of their ancestors.
On the other hand
, teaching is the key to the progress of a nation. This can be most
clearly
seen
in
developing countries
. After World War II,
for instance
, South Korea’s economy
was decimated
and there were few pathways to a stable nation. The
government
invested
massively
in
education
and the result is
some
of the most
important
companies
in the world
were founded
ranging from Samsung to LG to Hyundai. These
companies
contribute to the economy and have
greatly
raised the standard of living for all citizens. I believe efforts to fund
education
like the one detailed above have a
clear
and tangible impact.
In conclusion
,
art
is
important
for its
value
in terms of
history
but
education
is by far more
important
for its economic effects.
Governments
should strike
some
balance
but
prioritise
education
.