In my view, the quoted statement critiques the current education system. Today, classrooms focus heavily on delivering factual knowledge, while value education is treated as a mere supplementary subject. Consequently, in this era of technological advancement, students tend to undervalue education, as factual information is readily accessible online. Therefore, I appreciate this quote in the context of the present education system.

However, I would like to rephrase it as: “The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of skills and values.” The knowledge of skills and values will prepare children to face the real world. Even factual knowledge would be more meaningful if supported by skills and values.

For example, if a student attempts to solve a problem and fails, a teacher might be disappointed by the student’s lack of factual knowledge. However, if the goal is to teach values, the teacher would see progress in the student’s initial attempt. The teacher could then work with the student to identify mistakes and improve, creating a better second draft. This approach fosters perseverance in students.

The absence of such values might seem minor, but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this absence can lead to criminal behavior and even the tendency to give up, sometimes resulting in suicides.