There is only one justification for universities, as distinguished from trade schools. They must be centers of criticism.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
Equality and justice, the two great distinguishing characteristics of democracy, follow inevitably from the conception of men, all men, as rational and spiritual beings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that equality and justice are fundamental to democracy, rooted in the belief that all individuals possess rational and spiritual qualities.
In this quote, Robert M. Hutchins articulates the intrinsic connection between the concepts of equality and justice within a democratic framework, highlighting that these principles are derived from viewing all individuals as inherently rational and spiritual beings. This perspective implies that a true democracy cannot exist without ensuring that all its members are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, recognizing their capacities for reason and moral judgment.
Themes
EqualityJusticeDemocracyRationalitySpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for democratic reforms.
More from Robert M. Hutchins
All quotes βEvery act of every man is a moral act, to be tested by moral, and not by economic criteria.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
Education is a kind of continuing dialogue, and a dialogue assumes different points of view.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
A student can win twelve letters at a university without learning how to write one.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
A civilization in which there is not a continuous controversy about important issues is on the way to totalitarianism and death
Robert M. HutchinsRead
America's experiment with government of the people, by the people, and for the people depends not only on constitutional structure and organization but also on the commitment, person to person, that we make to each other.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
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