Though important, the three R's are not, and never were, the essences of education. Many now see childhood as a carefree time of frivolity and play before getting down to the serious business of adulthood. Most people who have walked in our world would be unable to understand this view. The purpose of childhood is not to provide a vacation before going to work as an adult. Childhood is for bring the children to adulthood and preparing them to live as adults.
Childhood involves more change, more risk, and perhaps more stress, than any other period of life.
Civilization isn't hereditary. We must rebuild it from scratch for each generation. Each generation must deliver the accumulated wisdom and experience to their children. This is what education is all about. The never ending process begins at birth, perhaps before.