In a world of growing globalization and knowledge, education is more important than ever. As one of the most important investments a parent or a country can make, it is a vital part of the lives of modern day people. Not only does it make you a more educated and better person all around, it also makes life better all around. Those who succeed are almost always well educated and problems in many factions of life can be traced to a lack of education.
Poverty, rather obviously, is directly related to a lack of education. Those with a college degree will make about $1 million more over a lifetime compared to those with only a high school education. If you are educated, you become a less dependent person, both financially and mentally. Being able to make and articulate cohesive thoughts, as well as the ability to form educated opinions, are invaluable skills that cannot be substituted in everyday life.  Education also allows you to understand more about the world around you, helping you to respond to the tribulations of life. Superstition and unreasonable fears are more often found in those less educated and this can often lead to deadly consequences.
The outbreak of many infectious diseases including Ebola and AIDS were facilitated by a lack of education in the areas they began in. In Africa, Ebola has spread rapidly through many towns and communities because of the fear and the population not understanding about what is happening. The people know little about how deadly the disease is, how it spreads, and what doctors do to treat it, so when their family members are taken to the hospital and never return, they no longer feel safe turning to medical professionals. Because of this, they hide in their homes, infect other family members, flee to other villages, infect other communities, and even try to break patients out of hospitals, removing them from the care that could save their lives and putting even more people in danger.
Education is not only an invaluable resource but it can also be life saving. The continued education of Americans and those in other countries is a large topic of discussion in politics today and there is an overwhelming and obvious consensus between most. Education should come first and hopefully, it will.