"Hay muchos tipos de educación: conocimiento de las costumbres y comportamientos así como conocimiento de la mente"

Education isn't just about what you learn in a classroom. It's about understanding how to behave in different situations and knowing how to think critically. Knowledge of customs and behavior—let's call it social knowledge—is just as important as academic knowledge. You could be the smartest person in the room, but if you don't know how to interact with others, your intelligence might not get you very far.

Historically, this idea has roots in ancient philosophies. Think about Aristotle, who emphasized the importance of ethics and virtue in education. He wasn't just about filling your head with facts. He believed in teaching people how to live well. Fast forward to today, and you'll see this concept still holds. In our complex world, knowing how to navigate social situations is invaluable.

Take for instance, a brilliant engineer who knows everything about building bridges. They understand the math, the physics, all of it. But if they can't work well with their team, communicate effectively, or handle conflict, those bridges might never get built. Or if they do, the process will be a lot more painful than it needs to be. On the flip side, someone who might not be as technically skilled but can bring people together, inspire them, and manage projects well could end up being more successful in the long run.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by paying attention to how you interact with others. Are you a good listener? Do you respect different perspectives? Developing empathy and emotional intelligence can go a long way. And don't ignore the customs and norms of the environments you're in, whether that's in your workplace, your community, or even online spaces.

Imagine you're at a family gathering. You might have a cousin who's super well-read and can quote Shakespeare at the drop of a hat. Impressive, right? But maybe they're also a bit of a know-it-all and don't let anyone else get a word in edgewise. Compare that to another relative who might not be as academically accomplished but knows how to make everyone feel welcome and valued. Who do you think people will gravitate towards?

Here's a personal story to bring it home. I once worked with a guy named Tom. Tom was a genius when it came to coding. He could solve complex problems faster than anyone else on the team. But Tom had a hard time accepting feedback. He'd get defensive and it created tension. On the other hand, there was Lisa. Lisa wasn't the top coder, but she was a great team player. She knew how to ask the right questions, how to bring out the best in everyone, and how to diffuse conflicts. In the end, Lisa got promoted to team leader. Tom, despite his brilliance, stayed stuck because he couldn't get along with others.

Think about that next time you're in a group setting. Your technical skills and knowledge are important, no doubt. But don't overlook the power of social intelligence. It can make or break your success. So, be that person who brings people together, who listens more than they speak, and who understands the unspoken rules of the game. That's a kind of education that will serve you well no matter where life takes you.