What is the purpose of education?

Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom. (John Adams, 1787, Defense of the Constitutions)

EDUCA'TION, n. [L. educatio.] The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.

According to Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary, the purpose of education is primarily character development--enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth. And, by definition, the responsibility rests first on parents, and then on guardians.

Whoa! By definition, the original intent and purpose for the subject is quite different than what we see today. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a definition of education on the National Education Association (NEA) website. However, according to the Random House Unabridged Dictionary from Infoplease, education is defined as:

1. the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.
2. the act or process of imparting or acquiring particular knowledge or skills, as for a profession.
3. a degree, level, or kind of schooling: a university education.
4. the result produced by instruction, training, or study: to show one's education.
5. the science or art of teaching; pedagogics.

It appears to me that Noah Webster originally defined this topic as an internal training of the character of the individual which has been manipulated today to be a process that affects the intellect rather than character.

*Note: After at least 30 minutes searching the NEA site for a definition of education, I decided to email requesting such. I will let you know what they say--if they reply... Sorry, it has been over a month and I have received no reply.

With these definitions in mind, take a moment to come up with your own definition of education. 

- Where do the ideas that form your definition come from?