Respect for the fragility and importance of an individual life is still the mark of an educated man.
Fortunately or otherwise we live at a time when the average individual has to know several times as much in order to keep informed as he did only thirty or forty years ago. Being "educated" today requires not only more than a superficial knowledge of the arts and sciences, but a sense of inter-relationship such as is taught in few schools. Finally, being "educated" today, in terms of the larger needs, means preparation for world citizenship; in short, education for survival.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Education today demands a deeper understanding of various subjects and the ability to connect them for global citizenship.
Norman Cousins highlights the complexity of modern education compared to the past, emphasizing that today's learners must acquire extensive knowledge across multiple disciplines and understand the interconnectedness of these fields. He suggests that contemporary education should not only focus on knowledge but also prepare individuals for active participation in a global society, making education crucial for survival in an increasingly interconnected world.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on education trends, this quote can underscore the need for a holistic approach to teaching.
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The makers of dictionaries are dependent upon specialists for their definitions. A specialist's definition may be true or it may be erroneous. But its truth cannot be increased or its error diminished by its acceptance by the lexicographer. Each definition must stand on its own merits.