America's future will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what he is taught; hence we must watch what we teach, and how we live.
Interpretation
The future of America depends on what children learn at home and school, emphasizing the importance of education and role models.
This quote by Jane Addams highlights the critical influence of both the educational system and the home environment in shaping a child's future. It suggests that the values, knowledge, and behaviors imparted to children will largely define who they become as adults, therefore urging adults to be mindful of their teachings and lifestyles.
In practice
This quote is perfect for educators at a teacher training seminar.
I might believe I had unusual talent if I did not know what good music was; I might enjoy half an hour's practice a day if I were busy and happy the rest of the time. You do not know what life means when all the difficulties are removed! I am simply smothered and sickened with advantages. It is like eating a sweet dessert the first thing in the morning.
Action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics.
I am not one of those who believe - broadly speaking - that women are better than men. We have not wrecked railroads, nor corrupted legislatures, nor done many unholy things that men have done; but then we must remember that we have not had the chance.
Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world.
National events determine our ideals, as much as our ideals determine national events.
If the meanest man in the republic is deprived of his rights,then every man in the republic is deprived of his rights.
The better part of every man's education is that which he gives himself.
If you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry.
Had I the power, I would scatter libraries over the whole land as the sower sows his wheatfield.
If the Negroes are to remain forever removed from the producing atmosphere, and the present discrimination continues, there will be nothing left for them to do.
All I ever wanted to do was to make food accessible to everyone; to show that you can make mistakes - I do all the time - but it doesn't matter.
That best academy, a mother's knee.
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