While at a fast-food restaurant with my children, I overheard a man making a disparaging remark to his son about those working behind the counter. “This is why you go to college,” he stage-whispered, implying that those serving us were somehow lesser because they weren’t in academia. His words, directed at his young son, carried a heavy judgment: that those working in service jobs lacked education, were unhappy, and didn’t deserve our empathy.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Such elitist attitudes often surface when discussing professions that involve service or manual labor, like cleaning, waitressing, or construction. The unspoken assumption is that these individuals have not attended college and are therefore inferior or unintelligent.
This mindset, rooted in intellectual elitism, is deeply troubling. Judging someone based on their educational background is not only unfair but often misguided. Education can be an unreliable measure of intelligence and does not guarantee financial or emotional stability. It often reflects socioeconomic privilege more than it does a person’s worth or capability.
Many people who could excel in college simply lack the means to pursue higher education. Dismissing someone for their educational achievements is a form of classism that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Let’s be clear: having a high IQ doesn’t confer greater respect or value. Some of the most astute individuals I know have limited formal education. For instance, my friend Jordan and his partner, Kelly, run a successful home renovation business despite not completing college. They are financially stable and exhibit remarkable intelligence and insight. Jordan, a “handyman” by trade, engages in deep discussions about politics and philosophy, showcasing a level of critical thinking that rivals many with advanced degrees. Kelly, arriving at work in her practical attire, is a fierce competitor in any debate and is an avid reader, always seeking knowledge.
On the other hand, I hold a master’s degree in music performance, but my primary income comes from freelance writing and content creation — fields that don’t necessarily require a degree. Despite my education, I still face student loan debt and can’t claim superiority over my peers who chose different paths.
This isn’t to dismiss the value of college. For certain aspirations, like engineering or specialized trades, higher education is essential. Many careers benefit from additional training beyond high school, including trade schools that equip individuals with practical skills.
The crux of the matter is that a person’s educational background should not dictate our perception of their intelligence, success, or happiness. Attempting to gauge a person’s worth based on education is elitist and fundamentally flawed. Moreover, equating intelligence with value diminishes our appreciation for the diverse qualities that make us human. Whether my friend Kelly has a degree or not, she deserves love and respect just as much as anyone else.
Every individual holds intrinsic value, and we must stop using uncontrollable factors — like education and intelligence — to measure a person’s worth.
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In summary, a person’s education level is not a reliable indicator of their intelligence or value. It’s time we recognize the worth of every individual, regardless of their academic achievements.