What René Descartes’ Success Teaches Us About Today’s Educational Failures - Education, Media, and Mobile Phones

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There is only one really serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide.
Albert Camus

“There is only one really serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide.” Albert Camus opens his most popular treatise, The Myth of Sisyphus, with this profound remark.

Camus teaches us that profound insights often emerge from grappling with life’s most challenging questions. His perspective pushes us to explore deeper meanings, reassess our values, and ultimately find personal significance in our existence.

In today’s news, a tragic incident occurred where Ravikumar, a 47-year-old father in southern Bengaluru, killed his minor son by brutally assaulting him. Ravikumar was reportedly “angry” with his child—Tejas, a 14-year-old Class 9 student—for lagging in his studies and constantly using a mobile phone. (Ref.: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/14-yr-old-boy-smashed-against-wall-by-dad-dies-3279739)

Two major issues seemed to underpin this tragic event:

Poor marks in Class 9, and possibly earlier grades.
Perceived overuse of the “mobile phone.”

Today, we can fly aircraft, rockets, and drones because of the immense contributions of René Descartes, among others. Yet, René Descartes never had to navigate a standardized progression through grades 1 to 12, followed by undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

In his time, the curriculum was not divided into grades but structured around a series of courses and subjects studied sequentially. Education was about mastering subjects rather than progressing through predefined grade levels. Scholars like Descartes often continued their education through apprenticeships, self-study, or travel rather than formal postgraduate programs.

While Descartes earned a “Licentiate in Law,” his major contributions span mathematics, philosophy, physics, and natural sciences. He epitomized the polymath—a figure shaped by an education system focused on intellectual mastery rather than standardized metrics.

The education system that René Descartes thrived in was characterized by intellectual exploration and mastery, while today’s system emphasizes grades, rankings, and standardization. This difference highlights a key problem:

Fathers like Ravikumar and students like Tejas are struggling under the weight of an education system that prioritizes numerical results over individual learning and growth. When combined with societal pressures, these systemic flaws can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Generally speaking, we are aware of the benefits of technology in enhancing education, but the media often emphasizes sensationalism.

Narratives in the media frequently:

Reinforce existing fears or biases.
Amplify moral panic, creating undue anxiety.

In this case, media-fueled fears about mobile phones may have led Ravikumar to perceive them as wholly destructive, ignoring their potential benefits. Mobile phones, like any tool, can both help and harm. However, confirmation bias caused Ravikumar to focus only on the negatives, succumbing to undue pressure.

Mobile phones, like any tool, are neither inherently good nor bad—they are what we make of them. Acknowledging their benefits alongside their risks can lead to a more balanced and informed view. Responsible use of mobile phones can transform them into powerful tools for:

Learning and skill development.
Communication and social connectivity.
Productivity and creativity.

It is essential for media, educators, and families to collaborate in promoting this balanced perspective. The narrative must shift from fear to understanding, from condemnation to education.

The tragedy of Ravikumar and Tejas underscores the urgent need to:

Reform our education system to prioritize meaningful learning over standardized grading.
Address biases perpetuated by media that contribute to misunderstandings about technology.
Encourage open dialogues within families about the challenges and opportunities technology presents.

If we fail to address these systemic issues, we risk more families falling into similar patterns of despair and conflict. The key is balance—an acknowledgment of both the benefits and risks of mobile phones, coupled with a commitment to healthier education and communication systems.

Curriculum Developer, Teacher Trainer, and Researcher

Rewati Raman Vishewar

Rewati Raman Vishewar, M.Ed., is an experienced education professional with over 23 years of experience in the education sector. He has worked for private education companies as well as in the NGO/Government sector. His active area of work is focused on preschool to primary grades, with a strong emphasis on curriculum development, teacher training, assessment, and research. Several Universities (Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, MS University, Ambedkar University Delhi et al.) have accepted his research to be presented at Conferences. In his recent research, he studied the efficacy of assessment and feedback mechanisms in early childhood care and education (ECCE) across India for the Square Panda Foundation (submitted to the Ministry of Women & Child Development, India). He also reviewed the ECCE curriculum of Bodh Shiksha Samiti, the adolescent curriculum (ECCE to primary grades) of Doosra Dashak, and the ICDS curriculum of all States of India. His review of ICDS Curriculum of Bihar was accepted for presentation at the ECCE Conference of Ambedkar University Delhi. Raman has provided curriculum development, teacher training, and assessment services to premium private preschools. He has also conducted a six-month research project (unpublished) into a multi-grade, multi-level curriculum by conducting classes at SDMC Primary (Govt.) School, where children from underprivileged/low socio-economic families study. With his extensive experience and expertise, Raman is committed to making a positive impact in the education sector by improving curriculum, training teachers, and conducting research to ensure the best outcomes for students.

Contact Rewati Raman Vishewar for your Customised Curriculum requirements and Training, Assessment, Research, Startup, and Survey-related services.

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