The System of Appearance: Why Has a Diploma Become More Important Than Knowledge?

This article provides a profound analysis of contemporary credentialism, defined as a system of appearances in which formal education becomes more important than true agency. The author exposes the systemic lies about education being a sufficient substitute for competence, pointing to the inflation of diplomas and their function as status signals. The text cites OECD research and the skills-first concept, arguing that in the age of AI and the growing complexity of the world, traditional certificates, including prestigious MBAs, increasingly mask a lack of real problem-solving skills. This is a call for a redefinition of employee value and a shift from the fetishization of degrees to measurable practical proficiency.