Diskarte vs Diploma: Navigating the False Dichotomy

Introduction: The Philippines is buzzing with the “diskarte vs. diploma” debate, fuelled by self-proclaimed “money gurus” who downplay the importance of education. These gurus often push a narrative that success hinges solely on “diskarte” (resourcefulness), encouraging people to ditch their studies and chase entrepreneurial ventures.

This article aims to debunk these myths and highlight why both diskarte and a diploma are crucial for success in the Philippines. Let’s delve into the pitfall of this argument.

Survival Bias Seeing Only the Success Stories: The media frequently depicts the inspiring tales of individuals who pursue their aspirations and triumph against adversity. It caters to the desire to romanticize the notion of sharing a potential destiny, whether it involves entertainers or CEOs of multi-billion-dollar corporations who chose to drop out of school. Unfortunately, there is significantly less emphasis on those who possess similar skills and determination but never attain success due to factors beyond their control or unforeseen circumstances. This fosters a misleading perception that anyone can accomplish remarkable feats if they possess the necessary skills and exert effort, or take the initiative to empower themselves. The stories of the vast majority of failures often go untold, overshadowed by the legends that emerge only from those who not only survive but thrive.

Beyond Dropout Tales The Privilege Behind Bezos, Zuckerberg, Musk, and Gates’ Success: In the narratives of success that dominate our media landscape, there’s a recurring theme of individuals who overcome obstacles, embrace failure, and ultimately achieve greatness. We’re told tales of those who dropped out of school, faced setbacks, yet managed to rise to the top. But what’s often overlooked is the privilege inherent in the ability to fail and try again.

Consider the stories of renowned figures like Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates. They’re celebrated for their perseverance in the face of failure, but what’s less discussed is the safety net they had — the privilege of another chance.

These individuals, while undoubtedly talented and driven, had the advantage of resources, connections, and societal support that many others do not. When they stumbled, they had the means to dust themselves off and try again. This safety net allowed them to take risks, experiment, and pursue their passions without the fear of utter ruin.

But what about those who lack such privilege? For every success story, there are countless untold tales of individuals who faced similar setbacks but lacked the resources to bounce back. For them, failure isn’t a stepping stone to success — it’s a dead end.

Consider the aspiring entrepreneur who pours their savings into a startup only to watch it fail, leaving them bankrupt and without a safety net. Or the student who drops out of college to pursue their dreams, only to find themselves unable to afford to return to school if things don’t work out.

The reality is that failure isn’t equitable. It’s not simply a matter of picking yourself up and trying again. For many, failure comes with devastating consequences that can be difficult — if not impossible — to overcome.

So, as we celebrate the tales of those who’ve turned failure into success, let’s not forget the privilege that underpins their stories. Let’s recognize that the ability to fail and try again is a luxury afforded to the few, not the many. And let’s work towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their privilege or lack thereof.

Many a times you don’t fail because your methods don’t work, you fail because you are just unpopular. There are countless methods and systems that are broken and yet well endorsed or even religiously cherished. Hence, you could be wrong and wronged about your own failings. — 2017–05.08

Epilogue: The Vital Interplay of Diploma and Diskarte

As we unravel the narratives of success and privilege, it becomes increasingly evident that the dichotomy between a formal diploma and the art of “diskarte” is a false one. The stories of renowned individuals who defied conventional paths often omit a critical detail — their foundation of education.

The diploma, symbolizing formal education, serves as more than just a certificate of completion. It is a testament to the acquisition of knowledge, the honing of critical thinking skills, and the development of a robust intellectual foundation. This foundation, in turn, becomes the bedrock upon which the art of “diskarte” can be effectively cultivated.

Consider it as a two-fold journey. The diploma provides the theoretical understanding, the structured learning environment, and the guidance of experts who have distilled their knowledge into comprehensive curricula. This structured learning equips individuals with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of their chosen field.

Simultaneously, the concept of “diskarte” is the practical application of knowledge in real-world scenarios. It’s about adaptability, resourcefulness, and making informed decisions on the fly. However, attempting to wield “diskarte” without the educational foundation is akin to navigating uncharted waters without a compass.

As we celebrate the success stories of those who took unconventional routes, let us not forget that they, too, had a starting point — an educational foundation that empowered them to explore uncharted territories.

Moreover, education is not a one-time event; it is a lifelong journey. Continual learning, both in and out of formal institutions, refines our skills and broadens our perspectives. As we delve deeper into our chosen fields, we inherently develop the knack for “diskarte” through hands-on experience, problem-solving, and learning from our successes and failures.

In essence, the interplay between diploma and “diskarte” is symbiotic. One without the other can lead to an incomplete journey. The diploma provides the compass, the maps, and the navigational skills, while “diskarte” is the captain’s intuition and ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges.

So, let us not be swayed by the false notion that one must choose between education and practical wisdom. Instead, let us embrace the harmony between the two. As we continue our learning journeys, may we understand that true mastery lies in the fusion of formal education and the art of “diskarte” — a powerful combination that propels us towards success, guided by the wisdom of knowledge and the finesse of practical acumen.