Beyond Conventional Education
My discontent with the education system wasn’t just a fleeting childhood feeling—it grew into a realization of a system that stifles individuality. The assembly-line approach, fitting every child into the same mold, fails to nurture the unique talents of each kid. Instead of fostering individuality, it creates conforming citizens. Reflecting on my younger self, I remember how frustrated I was in such a restricted environment. Many of my peers were in the same position, with talents in sports, music, or art ignored by their surroundings.
Education and family form the foundation of society, yet the current educational structure persists despite its flaws. We have the power to create systems that give kids freedom and space for exploration. But we also have the power to reconnect with our true nature as adults, even if our conventional upbringing was limiting.
Our educational system is outdated, designed to produce obedient workers rather than nurturing individual qualities. The call for adventure wasn’t just about my personal journey—it was about how creativity and potential are often stifled.
As I grew older, I saw the flaws of the conventional education system more clearly. This led me to question how this system conditioned me to interact with reality. It wasn't conducive to a life filled with opportunities and adventure. I went through a long process of redefining and dismantling beliefs, such as my understanding of success. I concluded that success isn’t what I was made to believe during my time in schools and universities.
I was fortunate enough to be in a family and environment that allowed exploration outside the confines of formal education. Luckily, I found tennis at a young age. It quickly became more than just an extracurricular activity; it became a priority in my life. Tennis allowed me to develop life skills through something that made sense on a deeper level. I no longer felt like a fish out of water, as I did in school. A new world opened up for me, beyond the limited world of academia. Through tennis I learned valuable lessons that can’t be found in a classroom.
The point is, education isn’t only reserved for the conventional system. There are many ways to get educated. Competitive sports taught me life lessons, just as other activities can provide valuable education. While a foundation in typical subjects is important, true education lies beyond that.
Our rigid conventional systems are mostly systems of indoctrination. Schools and universities suck us into a vacuum, and without realizing it, we invest decades pursuing goals (degrees, status, diplomas) that don't ignite our true path. Sooner or later, we realize we've been sucked into a machine, into a way of life that doesn't fulfill us. Unfortunately, this tends to happen after years of investing energy, time, and identity into this life. For many, it’s too late to change course. We lack the courage to step back and forge a new path. We stay in the comfort of the well-paved path, too scared to venture on the path less traveled, the path that may open opportunities for us to expand in many dimensions of life.
Many of us come to believe that the conventional path is the only way to approach life. We think that all the stresses and issues we experience are normal and that’s “just how life works.” Life isn’t about enjoyment and alignment but hard work and pushing through; life is all about competition. But it can be different. The belief that it cannot be is part of our collective belief system, stemming from a reality of dissatisfaction because most people aren’t doing what they truly love or what aligns with their authentic selves and purpose.
The potential for excitement and passion in our life is enormous, yet many of us never get to experience it, which is very sad. I hope people question whether the life they're living is worth living. I wish for people to reach their deathbed proud of what they have created for themselves and others—a life full of meaningful experiences, adventure, passion, and excitement. We came here to live in bliss, to experience goosebumps from how amazing life is.
My own journey is a testament to the power of stepping off the beaten path. I was fortunate to be in a family and environment that allowed exploration. Through these opportunities, I found activities that truly resonated with me. Today, twenty years later, I make a good living doing what I love, without feeling like it’s work. This wouldn’t have been possible if I had stayed within the rigid structures of conventional education.
The call for adventure, which started as a quiet resistance, evolved into a commitment to THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED. Each step I took honored the individuality suppressed by a conformist system. The journey brought me closer to a life fueled by authenticity, purpose, and adventure.
We have the power to change our course, to step out of the comfort zone and embrace the adventure life offers. It's about finding what makes you come alive, pursuing it with passion, and living a life that is truly yours. The journey is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Each step brings you closer to a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and endless possibilities.
So, I encourage you to question the path you're on. Are you living a life that excites you? Are you pursuing what truly makes you happy? If not, it's never too late to change course. Embrace the call for adventure, honor your individuality, and create a life you are proud of. The potential for a fulfilling and passionate life is within your reach—it's up to you to seize it.
Much love,
Matias