Why on earth should I study?

An important question pops in every now and then from the children at school.  

Why do we have to study? or more specifically, why do I have to study the life History of a person who lived many many years ago? or Why should I study Maths when I know that I am going to be a singer or a football player?

My answer to this age-old question asked by my children in school is simple: To live life happily.

The children are generally never satisfied with this answer. "How does learning History help us live happily?", they usually snap. 

Learn about your roots and the legends and the culture and tradition that has shaped you. Learn from the blunders that people have made like the detonation of the Atomic bomb and the sufferings it caused.  Are you feeling frustrated about living under a governance that doesn't seem to understand and respect its people? Learn how to negotiate peacefully and patiently like a Mandela or learn how to be an one man army to fight for your rights like a Greta or harness the power of the community to stand up against the governance non-violently like a Gandhi. This is why you study History, to learn how you can live your life happily.

The children are engaged, but still not completely convinced.

"Why do I need Pythagoras theorem when I am going to be a footballer?"

The shortest distance to score a goal, the hypotenuse way or taking the longer, right angled route to the goal post? The angle at which to kick to ball to the goal. Simple calculations, perfect results! 

Eye rolls, huffs and puffs and they storm away. Yet, I know that they have started thinking... Maybe even a tad convinced. We are on the right track!