I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the way our schools are shaping—or rather, misshaping—our children’s minds. It’s a topic that hits home for me, not just as a parent but also as someone who has spent a lifetime in medicine and now in investing. Both fields demand the kind of curiosity and independent thinking that I fear our education system is systematically eroding.
Last week, I was speaking with a founder whose startup we’ve backed—a bright, driven individual who reminded me of the energy and curiosity I’ve seen in many young entrepreneurs. As we talked about his journey, I couldn’t help but reflect on how little credit our traditional schooling deserves for nurturing these traits. In fact, it often seems like it does the opposite.
Our schools are like factories, churning out students who can memorize and regurgitate information on demand but struggle with the kind of deep, critical thinking that life demands. This isn’t a new observation, of course. Many of us have bemoaned the rote learning that dominates Indian classrooms. But what really bothers me is how this system stifles curiosity—the very quality that drives innovation and discovery.
I remember a patient I once treated, a precocious ten-year-old who was more interested in the “why” of his condition than the “what.” His questions were endless and surprisingly insightful, reminding me of the boundless curiosity children naturally possess. Yet, I wonder how long that spark will survive in a system that prioritizes correct answers over inquisitive minds.
The myth many parents hold is that good grades are a sure indicator of future success. But I’ve come to see that grades are a poor proxy for learning. They measure a child’s ability to conform to a narrow set of expectations rather than their ability to think independently or creatively. In my experience as an investor, I’ve seen time and again that the most successful entrepreneurs are those who are willing to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and think outside the box.
In reality, our education system should be nurturing these skills, not sidelining them in favor of rote memorization. The world doesn’t need more people who can solve textbook problems; it needs thinkers who can navigate the complex, ambiguous challenges of the real world.
A comparison with the startup world is apt here. Founders thrive not because they have all the answers, but because they’re relentless in their pursuit of better questions. They iterate, pivot, and learn from failure. Imagine if our schools adopted a similar approach. Instead of penalizing mistakes, they could encourage experimentation and exploration. Instead of standardizing learning, they could personalize it to match each child’s unique interests and abilities.
There’s a common belief that the introduction of AI tutors and tech-driven education solutions will bridge the gaps in our current system. While technology can play a role, I’ve written before about how AI tutors in my kids’ school are often overhyped. They can’t replicate the nuanced, human touch that inspires true curiosity. In fact, AI tutors have limits—limits that our children’s curiosity doesn’t share.
The hard truth is that reversing the damage of our current system won’t be easy. But it’s not impossible either. Parents, educators, and policymakers need to champion an educational model that values questions as much as answers—a model that sees curiosity not as a distraction but as an asset.
So, what can we do instead? For one, we can encourage our children to pursue their passions, even if they don’t fit neatly into the curriculum. We can advocate for schools that prioritize critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving over rote learning. And perhaps most importantly, we can model curiosity ourselves. Show our kids that learning doesn’t stop at the school gate or at a certain age. It’s a lifelong journey.
In my journey from medicine to investing, I’ve learned that curiosity is the engine of progress. It’s what drives us to ask why, to seek out new possibilities, and to never settle for the status quo. Let’s ensure our school system reflects that truth, nurturing the curious minds that will shape our future.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with us—as parents, educators, and mentors—to push for change. We owe it to our children to create an environment where their natural curiosity can flourish. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about preparing them for exams; it’s about preparing them for life.