"Why should society feel responsible only for the education of children, and not for the education of all adults of every age?"

Erich Fromm’s question invites a deep reflection on the boundaries and responsibilities of a society toward the education of its members. Conventionally, societies focus educational resources and energy on children, viewing learning as something that primarily concerns the young. The prevailing assumption is that once a person reaches adulthood, formal education is no longer a communal priority; adults are expected to fend for themselves both intellectually and vocationally. Fromm challenges this narrow view and compels us to reconsider learning as a lifelong process, rather than a stage limited to childhood.

By emphasizing the necessity for education at every age, Fromm draws attention to several interlinked themes. One is the everlasting potential for human growth and transformation. Life’s complexities do not cease with adolescence, nor does the need to adapt, expand one’s understanding, and build new competencies. Rapid social, scientific, and technological changes demand ongoing learning; adults who remain uneducated risk disenfranchisement and alienation from broader societal progress.

Furthermore, Fromm’s insight touches upon the principles of equality and social justice. If society’s responsibility ends with childhood education, significant segments of the population, particularly those who faced barriers in their youth, may never have a second chance. Adults may need education for career shifts, personal fulfillment, or civic engagement, yet such opportunities are often scarce or inaccessible. A truly democratic and inclusive community acknowledges these needs, providing robust educational systems and policies that serve adults as much as children.

Fromm’s words also critique a culture that treats learning merely as preparation for the workforce, rather than as the foundation for free, critical, and creative beings at all stages of life. Education is not simply an economic utility; it is a tool for maintaining an active, open, and engaged citizenry. Societies that invest in lifelong education do not just enhance productivity, they foster resilience, wisdom, and collective well-being.