How Education Leads to Freedom for Prisoners

As I've written about before, research has found that education is an important key to reducing re-offense rates among paroled offenders. Perhaps it is because education expands one's options, and a former criminal no longer feels compelled to commit crimes to meet his needs and desires. Perhaps it is because more education changes a person's worldview so that crime is no longer viewed as an acceptable option. In his article "Only Connect: The Goals of a Liberal Education" William Cronon states that a liberal education is about human freedom and growth. If this is true, than a prisoner's incarceration begins long before he ever comes to prison. A lack of education can itself be a prison as it restricts one to the limited knowledge and frame of reference one gains through the social influences of his culture and upbringing. A greater education exposes one to broader ideas, social arguments, and research that have the power to change one's viewpoint from egocentric individuality to a community-centric focus. Through education one grows into the realization that his beliefs and behavior have consequences that extend beyond himself. No longer can he ignore the impact of his behavior on his family, friends, community, and culture. As Cronon says, education is not a state, it is a way of living that promotes connection to the human community. On the other hand, Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, said that "reformation comes, if at all, through the heart, or the emotional side of man, not through his head or reasoning side." This statement seems to contradict the evidence that education, clearly a cognitive function, can lead to reformation of one's behavior. But I don't think it contradicts at all. While education is a function of the mind,I would argue that one's beliefs that result in changed behavior are a function of intellect and emotion. The apostle James stated in James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the devils believe that--and shudder." His point is that not all knowledge or belief changes behavior. Only the knowledge that one takes to heart and believes in his heart results in changed behavior. So why does education change a criminal's behaviors? Is he really taking this education to heart and changing his beliefs? Probably some are. Others may simply finally understand that pro-social behavior will serve their own wants and desires rather than continuing anti-social behavior which only leads to prison. Whether educations results in true reformation of beliefs and character or simply in a change in behavior as a consequence of greater understanding, those who would otherwise become victims of an offender's crimes would thank those who made the investment to reach the hearts and minds of offenders through education. As Cronon eloquently concludes, education frees one to discover his connection to community and finally focus on the greatest form of connection: Love for others.