holding up rdor as an example

it was more an issue of learning to "question"

In some ways I think the first three years of university are about constraining and moulding thought. And also constraining the type of questions that you'll ask. It's usually only after that, that really attempting to tear at the heart of stuff is encouraged. So perhaps the problem is that too many leave after only 3 years, or that the reins aren't loosened a year earlier.

Of course the other problem is that serious learning comes from questioning, and drifting through on a C average doesn't require that, just a mindless repetition of some of what the lecturer said...

// so your saying you'll be less molded and constrained by not going to university at all?

they'll be more variation across a large group of individuals, but at an individual level you're still going to be constrained by your personal history. University has a somewhat disarming habit of constraining some things... like rules for arguing etc., which in some respects will make graduates more homogeneous as a group. However, there are plenty of students who don't conform to the mould. Some will learn very well to behave in the correct way, but still privately differ, whereas others won't do very well because they haven't learnt that correct way thing.

LG your post's got me thinking

//Some will learn very well to behave in the correct way,

i need clarification on what you mean by 'behave'

you specifically referring to the accepted standard of debate/argument/dialogue behaviour?
or just general behaviour?
ie.
i'm recall an instance of a student who successfully fucked her tutor to get better grades.

and also 'won't do very well'

within this conformist regime? or just in general?

A good example of what I mean is people who learn to recite a sort of "model" argument of evolution, while still privately remaining strong in their belief in creation. However, it needn't just be about religion at all. Actually, I wonder a bit about it happening in politics and economics, where on the whole parroting a "model" left and right-wing argument might be appropriate. On the other hand, sometimes the highest grades go to those students who challenge the belief model of the lecturer. Perhaps more in politics?

Or a flatmate of mine who acheived excellent grades in relevant courses in psychology, while still privately holding firmly to extreme beliefs about repressed/suppressed memory. Under current knowledge, it is perfectly possible to have completely forgotten something, and then have it reactivated. And traumatic early events usually lead to earlier first memories, but there are still limits of what it is possible to remember prior to the age of 2. Those are a few examples.

Moving house prior to being 1, being female, and being Maori are also good predictors of earlier first memories...

Sorry, that should be prior to 2.
Interestingly, the mean age of first memory is around 2.5, with female and Maori both minus about 3 months. There are some interesting debates about self concept relating to certain asian countries having a mean age of first memory closer to 5.

//now dark nick, i'm curious did they actually give that as the reasoning?
because God knows university is the worst place for learning to think
most people emerge from university less capable of independent thought than when they went in
and worst of all
most people emerge from university believing they are more capable of thinking independently than those who never went//

and this statement makes you NOT a wanker also?

it hasn't, I spent my first 3 year doing piss easy subjects, I barely got my uni entrance, I struggle with anything involving maths, but I still keep hearing these older 'school of life' guys voice their feelings of inadequacy cause they didn't stay at school. Oh and I can't spell.

I sounded like a real jerk then

narp it was the robbie williams angels song

ahhh, thats ok then. The immortal Robbie permeates everything, thats how the Excl Bre learnt his song.

//you will reach masterhood of any discipline you chose to
//time allowing....

Yeah, borne out in hindu culture as well - I'm fascinated with the idea that it takes multiple lifetimes to master the sitar. Just that little fragment of information totally encompasses the value of occupation in personal (& spiritual) development for me.

The OP?

And there are plenty of people who criticise aspects of Hare Krishnas too.

Your right, I just don't like their restrictive morality.