Textual knowledge is not everything in life. Marks may get you a good rank or pointer, but will hardly help you cope up with today’s world.  What one requires today are skills, wits and presence of mind. Education teaches us many things. But there are some certain things that do not fall into the ambit of education for different reasons. You realize what those ‘certain things’ are, only when you face life and think out of the box for your survival.

Here are 7 things that won’t be imparted to you in school or college:

1. Household Chores

As you grow up, you will realize how important it is to know how to cook yourself a light meal, how to repair your bicycle, how to fix the bathroom tap etc. These wont be taught to you by anyone. You will learn it yourself when you face those situations personally.

2. Self-assessment

Looking at what you are, what your potential is and what you can do is something left entirely for you to discover yourself, because no one knows you better than you yourself!

3. Facing Harsh Realities

“The best way out of a problem is through it.”

Life is not a bed of roses. Life is full of disappointments. You will face difficulties and you’ll see how cruel life can be sometimes. In such situations, you need to use your existing resources – mental, physical and social – to face the reality and get out of the bitter zone.

4. Money is not everything

Yes, money is not everything in life. Money can’t buy you happiness. (On a lighter note, some argue that it is better to cry in a BMW than on a bicycle). As you grow up, you will realize what actually the truth is. Money will automatically flow as an “added bonus” to the effort you put to do something good. Today, power, dignity and prestige seem to surpass money when listed as some basic requirements for a comfortable and successful life.

5. Wit and Wisdom

“Knowledge is knowing that tomato is a fruit.

Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”

Wit is something you gain yourself. Witty persons always stand out in life. I cannot tell you anything if you ask me “How to become witty”, because it also is something that cannot be taught. It depends on what you read, how your friends are and how you think about something.

6. Socializing

“A man is known by the company he keeps.”

Social media is always seen as a retarding agent by educational institutes. However, if you dig deeper, you will realize that it can be a catalyst to your progress too. It depends on how you use social media and build up a network. Social media is not only about chatting, there is a lot more beyond chatting. Making the right friends and discussing the right things can definitely help you grow.

7. Negotiation

This is something very important which is never taught anywhere. It is always good to negotiate (provided you’re not always on the winner’s side). Negotiating can make wonders happen. It is always better to get more out of something. Politeness is a pre-requisite to start a negotiation.

© Barnadhya Rwitam Sharma

Images courtesy: Google