Education and Modernization

In the opinion of the Dalai Lama, one of the major causes of Tibet's political tragedy was the fact that it failed to consider the concept of modernization. Its people lacked education, particularly in the field of science.

When he was a young child, he had personal tutors as well as others who helped teach him to debate. In spite of all his formal training, he was never formally taught math or science. The Dalai Lama found some technological items in his winter residence and developed a love for taking things apart and putting them back together. This was his introduction to the world of science. When he went into exile, he met more scientists who taught him. This was when he realized how important modern education was.

When the Dalai Lama arrived in India, one of the first things he did was to set up...