Interpret: teaching values to professionals

The writer argues that technical education alone does not make a good society. If scientists, engineers, doctors and managers are trained to be brilliant but are not taught values, their skill will not bring peace to the society they serve.

Explanation

• Modern education teaches almost every subject except values. It can produce professionals who are as good as the best in the world in knowledge and skill.
• Skill is only a tool. Whether it is used to help or to harm depends on the character of the person who holds it.
• "Peace of mind" means inner calm, contentment and freedom from greed and anger. "Love and kindness" mean care for other people.
• A professional without these qualities may be selfish, corrupt or cruel, however clever. A doctor who thinks only of money, an engineer who cuts corners on safety, or a manager who exploits workers can harm many people.
• The rhetorical question "what kind of society will we have?" suggests the answer: a society that is advanced in technology but cold, violent and unhappy.

Message

Education must develop the heart as well as the head. Moral and human values should be taught along with science and technology, so that professionals use their abilities for the good of humanity. A society is judged not only by its achievements but by the character of the people who make them.