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Erudition - that is, reading, writing, and arithmetic - is taught in the schools; but where is the more important quality, character, taught? Nowhere in particular. There is no authorized training for children in character.
Robert Baden-Powell
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes that while academic subjects are taught in schools, character development is often neglected.

Robert Baden-Powell highlights a significant gap in education systems, where traditional subjects such as reading, writing, and arithmetic take precedence over essential qualities like character. He argues that character education is not formally addressed, suggesting that instilling values, ethics, and character in children is just as important, if not more so, than academic knowledge. This raises a crucial point about the holistic development of individuals and the responsibility of educators and society in nurturing moral character.

Themes

EducationCharacterValuesDevelopmentMorality

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on education reform, this quote can be used to highlight the need for character education.

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The method of instruction in Scouting is that of creating in the boy the desire to learn for himself.
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Success in training the boy depends largely on the Scoutmaster's own personal example.
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Football is a grand game for developing a lad physically and also morally, for he learns to play with good temper and unselfishness, to play in his place, and to play the game, and these are the best of training for any game of life.
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Life would pall if it were all sugar; salt is bitter if taken by itself; but when tasted as part of the dish, it savours the meat. Difficulties are the salt of life.
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