教育不是投资，而是投机

Group 1 - The article argues that education, often perceived as a long-term investment, is more akin to speculation due to its uncertain returns and high costs [6][8][29] - The distinction between investment and speculation is highlighted, with education being compared to high-risk speculative activities rather than stable investments [6][7] - The author emphasizes that while education costs are fixed, the returns in terms of career and income are highly uncertain, making it a speculative endeavor [9][10][29] Group 2 - The article discusses the irrational expectations surrounding educational investments, particularly the unrealistic return expectations when aiming for prestigious institutions [12][13] - It points out the randomness in educational outcomes, where success heavily relies on individual talent and circumstances, leading to a skewed perception of investment effectiveness [14][15] - The decision-making process in educational investments is often non-rational, driven by emotional factors and societal pressures, resembling speculative behavior [16][20] Group 3 - The article suggests that education can serve as a form of insurance investment, providing a safety net against unemployment and societal exclusion, but should be approached with caution regarding costs [22][23] - It proposes viewing education as an option investment, where limited resources are allocated to children with potential, thus controlling risk while maximizing future opportunities [24][25] - For affluent families, education is framed as a compounding factor in wealth and social status, requiring a comprehensive resource investment to ensure long-term benefits [26][27] Group 4 - The article highlights the external benefits of education, which often outweigh personal gains, suggesting that societal investment in education is crucial for overall economic improvement [31][32] - It warns of a potential resurgence of the "education is useless" argument if personal returns on educational investments continue to decline, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations [32][33] - The author concludes that reframing education as insurance or options can help balance the inherent uncertainties and guide rational investment decisions [29][33]