"Schools are really bad now. Schools are not only bad in reading, writing and arithmetic, they're worse in cultural aspects, like in music and art. They don't teach you anything"

John Kricfalusi’s statement offers a critical perspective on the current state of education, suggesting a pervasive decline across both academic and creative disciplines. He singles out the foundational subjects of reading, writing, and mathematics, often considered the building blocks of education, implying that schools are failing to effectively impart even these essential skills. His criticism does not stop at traditional academics; he extends it to the cultural components of schooling, such as music and art, arguing these have seen an even steeper deterioration.

The sentiment reflects disappointment with a perceived neglect of holistic education. Where once schools may have been regarded as bastions of cultural enrichment, capable of nurturing a student’s intellectual and artistic talents, Kricfalusi portrays them as institutions unable to deliver substance or inspiration. By specifying music and art, he highlights areas fundamental to creativity and personal development, areas which, when unsupported, may limit students' capacity for self-expression and broadened perspectives.

The phrase “They don’t teach you anything” is hyperbolic, serving to underscore his frustration and suggesting an almost complete failure in the educational mission. His words may resonate with those who feel schools have become overly standardized, test-focused, or bureaucratic, sacrificing both rigor in the basics and vibrancy in the arts. There is an implicit critique of policy, curriculum choices, or cultural priorities that may have led to the sidelining of music and art as supposedly less practical pursuits.

Kricfalusi’s lament is not merely about the inadequacies of teaching methods but about a broader paradigm shift in educational values. He seems to call for a reevaluation of what education means, not just proficiency in facts and figures, but exposure to culture, fostering creativity, and equipping students for a meaningful engagement with society. The quote serves as a provocation to reconsider how and what schools teach, implicitly urging reforms that restore balance and depth, ensuring that students receive a richer, more comprehensive foundation for life.