John Keating believes that, although we should respect traditions we should use those values as a basis on which to learn and grow. This opposes Welton's beliefs by allowing the students to grow through taking risks and being able to make individual decisions in life. An example of this is when Keating says to the students; "We all have a need for acceptance but you must believe that your beliefs are unique even if others do not find them popular . find your own way of striding, your own walk" By this Keating means that individuals should not be dictated to, they should follow their own, principles and morals. Keating believes that we should learn from previous traditions, in order to prevent making the same mistakes. Keating wants students to understand that other people making their decisions for them will not always protect them; they have to learn to make their own individual decisions. Keating encourages students to think for themselves and resist conformity, he teaches them that they will not always be accepted in life, but by standing by their principles, they will live a much happier life, as opposed to just conforming blindly and unquestioningly. .
Welton uses Discipline as a tool for controlling undesirable behaviour. They achieve this through punishment, guilt or physical, emotional and psychological intimidation, to ensure that students act in a socially acceptable manner. We see evidence of this when Mr. Nolan says to Charlie Dalton; "If you think Mr. Dalton, that you"re the first to get thrown, out of this school, think again. Others have had similar notions and have failed just as surely you will fail. Assume the position" Mr. Nolan believes that if Charlie is physically disciplined enough for a long period of time, he will change his mind and not stand by his beliefs. When Nolan says, "others have failed just as surely as you will" we see that Welton's way of enforcing discipline teaches students that they are inferior and that they do not have control over their own life.