Knowledge decays over time as society
transforms by adopting new technology. Nobody knows how to work a
VCR or a cassette player anymore. Therefore, it is important to
focus on knowledge that won't likely become outdated. Everything
else we can look up on Wikipedia.
Long term knowledge isn't tied to any
particular technology or application. Algebra is a good example
because no matter what language or platform you program for, you
still have to manipulate numbers. Though my eventual career may be
in a technological field that does not now exist, chances are algebra
will come in handy. The more I am tied to a particular technology,
the most limited I am in my opportunities in life. If, rather, I can
learn good foundational skills that apply in every field, then I can
adapt when the world shifts again.
One pertinent example is the realm of
social media. It has transformed that landscape, but the people on
the landscape are still fundamentally the same. Facebook friends
have not changed the nature of friendship or people's need for a few
deep, personal relationships. You will be better served by learning
relationship skills outside the context of social media, and then
applying them to the social media landscape.
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