Our English Syllabus

In "Our English Syllabus," CS Lewis discusses the difference between an education and actually learning.

Right from the start, Lewis makes the point that "the purpose of education is to produce the good man and the good citizen." With that, Lewis branches off to the idea that "our ideal must be to find time for both education and training." Along with education and training, leisure is another topic discussed. Which brings Lewis to the difference between humans and animals. Lewis first establishes what human life means:

Human life means to me the life of beings for whom the leisured activities of thought, art, literature, conversation are the end, and the preservation and propagation of life merely the means.

 With the topic of leisure in mind, Lewis says that education "actualizes [the] potentiality for leisure," and that "man is the only amateur animal; all the others are professionals." Lewis explains that animals have no desire for leisure. Animals go about their lives based on instinct alone. Therefore if animals' lives were based on education and learning, humans would only be an amateur animal.

When God made the beasts dumb he saved the world from infinite boredom, for if they could speak they would all of them, all day, talk nothing but shop.

This brings Lewis to his "idea of education," and the importance of the teacher. He explains the common perspective of the education system most of us have.

The assumption is that the master is already human, the pupil a mere candidate for humanity -- an unregenerate little bundle of appetites which is to be kneaded and moulded into human shape by one who knows better. In education the master is the agent, the pupil, the patient.

Lewis points out that in education, the teacher is far superior to the student. The teacher is there to make the student a human being, as education is about skills and pursuing knowledge The pupil is being prepared for the real world. In contrast to education, Lewis makes this point about learning:

Learning is not education; but it can be used educationally by those who do not propose to pursue learning all their lives.

He gives the example of games (activities, sports, etc). The point of games is for pleasure. As a person plays games, he also gets the byproduct of good health. However, the person is not likely to get good health if his intentions of playing games is to get good health. I like the analogy given here because its so true. Often times, our intentions are set in the wrong place, aiming for the byproduct, rather than the actual goal.

Lewis' main point is the difference between education and learning. Education is about the skills and knowledge one gains. Learning is different in that it deals with the interest and attitude that a student has towards topics. While education is essential for all of us growing up, learning is most important for us to enjoy life.