Skills from School That We Never Use as Adults: A Personal Journey

When reflecting on the skills I learned in school, one subject stands out prominently as something I’ve never used in adulthood: algebra. It’s a common lament among many adults who graduate from school and never find themselves faced with complex equations or abstract theories in their daily lives. Let’s explore why this and other skills are often considered less practical for real-world application.

The Case for Algebra

Algebra, quite ironically, exemplifies one of the most frequently cited skills that parents often wish had been more practical. I can confidently say that I have never used algebra in any job or in my day-to-day life. It's essentially a complete waste of time for me, and I often wonder whether learning such a subject was a wise choice.

Of course, the value of algebra is not entirely indefensible. As many argue, understanding basic mathematical concepts can help in various situations, from managing personal finances to making informed decisions about investments. However, the specific knowledge of solving quadratic equations, as a former colleague joked, is something your boss probably has never asked you to do.

Swimming Lessons and Other Unneeded Skills

Another school experience that stands out is the swimming lessons and practical safety skills we learned. Growing up in Florida, we were taught how to tie a knot in our pyjama trousers and use them as flotation devices. While it might seem like a fun and useful skill, it’s one I’ve never had occasion to use in the past 50 years—and neither have anyone else I know. This brings to light the question of whether such practical, albeit somewhat quirky, lessons were necessary for a curriculum that’s meant to prepare students for the real world.

Additionally, the swimming safety lessons came into question when I moved to another state at the age of 20. Not everyone in the country is taught to tie trousers for flotation safety, and this realization was both amusing and a bit strange for me to discover.

Lessons That Stuck (Or Often Didn’t)

Beyond school, most of the academic subjects that were covered during my education at common entrance level (circa age 12) have had essentially zero practical use. I was an accountant for most of my working life and required no more than 11th level arithmetic, which in modern terms equates to Grade 5 in the United States education system.

Additionally, the geography and history I learned at a young age provided me with a solid understanding of my place in the world and my country's history. Any additional details could be easily obtained from libraries or, in the digital age, from a simple internet search. In other words, the basics I learned through education were sufficient for my professional and personal needs.

Regarding languages, I learned French and Latin beyond the Common Entrance level. While these languages provided me with a broader perspective, I found that the essential elements of the English language were already covered by the age of 11. My personal reading was much wider than what was taught in school, and I never found much value in school literature lessons. Reading a book for 'study' never seemed to be as enjoyable or enriching as reading for pleasure.

The sciences, particularly physics and chemistry, were subjects I was taught right up to A level. Yet, in adulthood, I have not found a single application for this knowledge. The understanding of how to make a phosphorus bomb, for instance, is not a skill I list on my CV. These subjects, while intellectually enriching, do not serve practical purposes in the vast majority of real-world scenarios.

Conclusion: Practical vs. Theoretical Knowledge

In conclusion, while the theoretical and academic knowledge we gain from school is invaluable to our personal and intellectual growth, it is important to question which skills will truly serve us in adulthood. Algebra, swimming lessons, and many other subjects can be seen as less practical for real-world application. It’s not that these skills are entirely useless; rather, the relevance of certain academic subjects is worth reconsidering in light of modern life and its demands.

The key is to balance theoretical education with practical, real-world skills that can be directly applied to various aspects of life. As the world continues to evolve, our educational systems must adapt to ensure that the skills we teach are relevant and beneficial for the students of today and tomorrow.