An Economist on Homeschooling

"What is most important and valuable about the home as a base for children's growth into the world is not that it is a better school than the schools but that it isn't school at all. It is not an artificial place, set up to make "learning" happen and in which nothing except "learning" ever happens. It is a natural, organic, central, fundamental human institution, one might easily and rightly say the foundation of all other human institutions."

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"A general State education is a mere contrivance for moulding people to be exactly like one another: and as the mould in which it casts them is that which pleases the predominant power in the government.

Oddly, the vehicle that is commonly thought to be most effective at socializing American children was essentially designed to numb minds and sterilize spirits. This might explain why an astounding 2.7 million youths are medicated for ADHD — without drugs, these "unruly" children would be unable to sit through manila lessons and behave subserviently."

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I just read and very much appreciated this article. (Thank you, Laura, for the link!) I don't think it matters how many books you've read like Public Education Against America or The Harsh Truth About Public Schools, rereading the information is always eye-opening. Every time I come away even more passionate about home education. In this particular article, I really enjoyed how Smith broke his thoughts into four specific areas: academics, socialization, finances, and values. Each topic is so important to us and I enjoyed each pithy and non-PC synopsis. Hope you enjoy it, too!