From Transfer to Transaction: The Evolution of Education

 “There is no substitute for hard work when it comes to achieving success in life, and education is the key that unlocks the door to knowledge and opportunity.”

But what does this actually mean in today’s world?

It’s a beautiful sentiment—one that fuels the dreams of countless people. And yet, despite this philosophy being promoted for decades, we still live in a world where millions of children can’t access quality education. If education is truly the key, why is the lock only open to a privileged few?

My mind is filled with questions as I examine myself and the world around me. Somewhere along the way, knowledge stopped being transferred and started being sold. Institutions, platforms, even schools—knowledge today comes with a price tag. And not just in terms of tuition, but also with prerequisites like stable homes, supportive environments, access to time, mentorship, and digital resources.

This raises a deeper question:
What kind of knowledge do people need to bridge the gap between life and achievement? Is it academic degrees? Is it social-emotional intelligence? Is it financial literacy, or perhaps the ability to question, adapt, and innovate?

The Subjective Nature of Success

We also need to acknowledge that success itself is a heavily debated and deeply subjective idea. What one person views as achievement may not resonate with another. From my perspective, success is:

  • The ability to make free decisions while respecting social norms.

  • Having access to basic needs like food, shelter, health, and safety.

  • Earning social recognition—not necessarily fame, but a sense of being seen and valued.

There are, of course, many forms of success—personal, professional, spiritual—but perhaps the foundation I’ve described is a useful place to start.

Traditional vs. Modern Methodologies of Learning

Let’s explore how knowledge was imparted in the past and how it is distributed now, and whether there are any keys to equalizing access between the wealthy and the needy.

The Gurukul System

Gurukul was a traditional Indian educational model where students lived with their teacher (guru) in a hermitage or ashram. It was holistic—covering moral values, philosophy, and practical life skills like cooking, cleaning, and farming. Students paid not in cash, but through participation and service.

In this model:

  • There was minimal economic disparity in learning opportunities.

  • Knowledge was a shared experience, not a purchased commodity.

  • Parental wealth had little influence on access.

This system was imperfect but deeply rooted in community and mentorship.

Modern Schools and Universities

Today’s education systems, in contrast, are largely institutionalized, commercialized, and often hierarchical. From private schools with sky-high fees to competitive university admissions that favor those with resources, modern education often feels like a race.

The Race Analogy

Imagine a race where some kids start on the track and others start two blocks behind it. Some wear sports shoes; others run barefoot. Everyone is told, “If you run hard enough, you’ll win.” But the truth is, equal effort doesn’t mean equal opportunity.

Kids today are often thrust into this race without choice. Their educational path is largely shaped by where they’re born, how much their parents earn, and what resources are available in their early years.

The Round Table Analogy

Now imagine a round table where everyone has an equal seat. Knowledge is at the center, and everyone can reach for it freely. The role of policy, innovation, and community in education should be to create more round tables, not longer ladders or higher fences.

Where Do We Go From Here?

If we are to equalize the playing field, we need more than just motivational slogans. We need:

  • Accessible infrastructure (libraries, internet, schools).

  • Culturally inclusive content that values diverse ways of knowing.

  • Community-based learning models where mentorship, peer learning, and service are central.

  • Reduced economic barriers, including scholarships, free platforms, and public education reforms.

Above all, we need to reclaim education not as a product, but as a public good—a shared responsibility and a shared benefit.

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