Calvert-Henderson Education Indicator

Of the dozen Calvert-Henderson QoL Indicators (HERE), I am most interested in Education. Sure, National Security is vitally important, but I feel that National Security is defensive. Investing in National Security is investing not to lose. On the other hand, investing in Education is more hopeful, future oriented, and positive. In the end, it's apparent that all 12 indicators are essential in balance. This quote makes a compelling case for the importance of education:

In today's globalized information-based economy, knowledge is now widely recognized as a key factor of production. Politicians in many countries, including the USA, run for office on platforms that stress education. The World Bank and other multilateral institutions now agree that investments in education (particularly at preschool and K through 12 levels) are the new keys, along with investments in health, to economic development. Nothing is changing our business and academic institutions faster than the new definitions of human and intellectual capital. As many new Internet-based, e-commerce businesses know, a company cannot "own" the part of its knowledge base that resides in the heads of its employees. This new evaluation of intellectual capital, on which all technical and social innovation is based, is still under-estimated in the US GDP. Current GDP still accounts for education costs as "expenditures" rather than as investments in human capital.

One of the reasons I continue my PhD studies is that I love to learn. Another reason is that I would love to teach. I think education is key to a better future. I like the way Calvert-Henderson argues to reframe the importance of education in how we measure Quality of Life.