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Prince condemns 'human robots'
Nov 17 2004
The Prince of Wales has launched a scathing attack in Birmingham on "education experts" who he said were too focused on the economic benefits of teaching rather than the joy of learning.
Charles made his comments in an open letter to delegates attending the Association of Colleges' annual conference at the International Convention Centre on Broad Street.
The Prince, who was the first member of the Royal family to sit public exams, condemned attempts to turn human beings into "robots" and called on policy makers to give people an opportunity to blossom through learning without there being any economic benefit.
In his letter, Charles said: "We hear much discussion these days amongst the ubiquitous 'education experts'.
"Too often, much of that discussion focuses exclusively in terms of costs and benefits to the economy, as if human beings really ought to become better robots."
He continued: "In my view and that of many others I talk to, we truly blossom as a society when we accept that there is no prize more valuable than the joy and self-esteem associated with, for example, the mastering of a skill, the defeat of a mental obstacle, or the sensation of having one's eyes opened to the beauties of literature, mathematics and science.
"I simply do not believe that passion for subject or skill, combined with inspiring teaching, can be replaced by computer-driven modules, which seem to occupy a disproportionate amount of current practice."
The Prince, who supports annual education summer schools designed to help English and history teachers rediscover the art of story-telling, welcomed further education as an opportunity for people to learn "life-enhancing" skills.
He had been due to address the conference today at the International Convention Centre via video link, but issued the letter after complications in organisation.
