RTE.ie reports that a record number of students are applying for CAO courses. They spin it like a terrible thing e.g sign of no jobs out there (true).

However, isn't competition good? in every other walk of life we welcome competition as it pushes people to do their best. There are twice as many students going for places so it puts a bit of pressure on them to do their best, just like the pressure in 3rd level to get the best degree you can as few jobs out there.

It is an improvement on the entitlement culture of a few years ago when anyone could go to university, and any degree would get a job on 25k.

The increased competition will ensure better educated graduates which will benefit the economy in the long run.

Incorrect, it is far better to have a good general standard of education across the ciommunity rather than confining access to higher eduaction to a few.

Do you agree that people will study harder if there is more competition for the courses they want?

No

What on earth is wrong with an "entitlement culture"?

What are we working for if not that?

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Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction.

EF Schumacher

Its good. There are no jobs anyway. Knowledge is a valuable asset. If aliens came along tomorrow and removed all our equipment and tools, we could start again in theory through knowledge. (assuming of course that there is no panic with this event!)

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Do you remember,writing in your diary,Freedom is the freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4?'.Yes,said Winston.O'Brien held up his left hand,its back towards Winston,with the thumb hidden and the four fingers extended.How many fingers am I holding up,Winston?.Four.And if the party says that it is not four but five,then how many?.The needle went up to 60 How many fingers,Winston?'Four!Stop it,stop it!How can you go on?Four!Four!'How many fingers,Winston?'Five!Five!Five!


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I'm sure this rise in CAO numbers is also a result of the many "non-national" children coming of age.

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Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction.

EF Schumacher

Pardon?

That just makes no sense. If a dog is going towards a piece of food to eat and another dog appears on the scene the dogs will obviously run faster (okay, they might fight) to get to it as now they are competing for a resource.

To say "no" is illogical - how can you possibly claim this?

We are not dogs.