Ferdi McDermott Headmaster of Chavagnes International College writes:
E.D. Hirsch, Jr.’s Why Knowledge Matters (2016) is a vigorous, compelling defense of the primacy of knowledge in education—a sharp rebuke to the prevailing orthodoxy that elevates nebulous “skills” over substantive content. Hirsch lays out a case as simple as it is essential: students need a structured, well-defined body of knowledge to understand, think critically, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Without this foundation, he argues, our attempts at “educational reform” amount to little more than tinkering at the margins.
At the heart of Hirsch’s argument is the indisputable link between knowledge and success in life. Through meticulous research, he demonstrates that those equipped with a broad, cohesive base of knowledge are far more likely to succeed—academically, professionally, and socially. On the other hand, the absence of such knowledge, Hirsch warns, deprives individuals of the tools necessary for full participation in society, condemning them to a stunted cultural and intellectual life.
A particularly incisive section of the book tackles the notion of cultural literacy—the shared reservoir of knowledge and references that underpins communication and social cohesion. For Hirsch, this is not mere academic fodder but the bedrock of a democratic society. Without a shared body of cultural references, he argues, our society becomes fragmented, our communities fray, and the very fabric of democratic life is weakened. Knowledge, in Hirsch’s view, is not only a path to individual achievement but a public good, a foundation for national unity.
In the UK edition, Hirsch illustrates his point with a case study from France. He critiques the late 1990s reforms under French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, which sought to strip down the content taught in schools, ostensibly in favor of fostering “skills.” Hirsch pulls no punches in linking this misguided venture to a demonstrable decline in literacy among French students, underscored by disappointing PISA scores. The message is clear: when a nation abandons content, it forfeits excellence.
Hirsch’s work serves as a clarion call to educators and policymakers alike: knowledge is not an optional extra but a non-negotiable foundation for both individual fulfillment and societal health. In Why Knowledge Matters, he challenges the prevailing winds of educational theory and calls for a return to the tried-and-true principles that have long underpinned effective teaching.
Catholic boarding schools 