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]

Core Concept - Education is often perceived as an investment, but it resembles speculation due to its uncertain returns and high costs [1][4][11]. Group 1: Investment vs. Speculation - The distinction between investment and speculation is highlighted, with investment characterized by high return probability and controlled risk, while speculation involves high risk and uncertain outcomes [2][3]. - Education is argued to align more closely with speculation due to the unpredictability of returns despite the high costs involved [4][11]. Group 2: Uncertainty in Educational Returns - The average starting salary for graduates from prestigious universities can be significantly higher than that of graduates from less recognized institutions, but this does not guarantee a return on investment [5][11]. - The lack of a guaranteed method to ensure admission to top universities further emphasizes the speculative nature of educational investments [6][11]. Group 3: Cost vs. Return Analysis - The costs associated with education, including tuition and opportunity costs, are certain, while the returns in terms of career and income are uncertain, making education more speculative [11][23]. - In Shanghai, for instance, the acceptance rate for top universities is only about 13%-15%, indicating a low probability of success for educational investments [15][16]. Group 4: Psychological and Social Factors - Parents often make irrational decisions regarding educational investments, driven by emotional factors and societal pressures, which resemble speculative behavior [20][21][22]. - The phenomenon of "herd mentality" in educational spending leads families to invest heavily despite low probabilities of success [21][22]. Group 5: Alternative Perspectives on Education - Education can be viewed as a form of insurance, providing a safeguard against unemployment and social exclusion, which is a necessary investment for all families [28][30]. - It can also be likened to options trading, where investments are made for children with potential, but with a focus on controlling losses due to the inherent uncertainties [31][33]. Group 6: Broader Implications of Educational Investment - The societal implications of viewing education as a speculative investment can lead to a rise in "education uselessness" narratives, especially if personal returns remain low [40][45]. - The case of Japan illustrates a shift in perception towards practical skills over traditional degrees, reflecting a growing skepticism about the value of higher education [45][46].