i had my hair cut today. while at the hairdresser's we made small talk, and i told her that i ORD in Sept, and she asked if i was going on to university after that and i said, yeah. as if its the most natural thing in the world. life after NS = university.

and it got me thinking. last night, while out with the guys, we were discussing the merits of having a business degree at one point. more like the disadvantages of having a degree of that sort really. and the motivational factor behind that disadvantage? money. a business degree is pretty much worthless to companies these days beacause the gist of all that 3 years can be gotten in continued short courses that they send their employees to. so the advice given to David is pretty much this; don't get a business degree.

so here's my point. universities were started beacuse man wanted an institution of higher learning, of advanced thinking that the genral population is not capable of. a place where the select few are equipped with the knowledge to advance society. now we know that these...ideals have been worn down by the more pragmatic search for a better living, but these do stand, don;t they? and so...i was also thinking, on a personal note. how much of me is wanting a degree, in this case MBBS, for the sake of knowledge? for the responsiblity that comes with that knowledge? or...how much of me is in it for the money? medicine is a luractive business, lets not hide from that, surgery more so. i've been getting advice from various sources to specialise in cosmetic surgery and cosmetic opthamology, and yes, if i were in it primarily for the money, i'd take this very seriously. and lastly, am i doing this because everyone is getting a degree and if i don't i'd lose out? mom drilled into me at a young age her hope of me making it into university and getting a degree. so i can get a better life. i guess it stuck. but it seems all so...

i agree that to go to university for the very first ideal put forward would be an extremely romantic idea. for me, that takes up a huge part of my desire, but money does play a major part too. my target salary is in based on that of consultant cardio surgeons in Singapore, a rough guide of $50 to $80k monthly. even on the low end, thats more than most people make. hmm...i guess after i qualify for med school we'll know. for now, this is all just pure musing.