The way to see what looks good and understand the reasons it looks good, and to be at one with this goodness as the work proceeds, is to cultivate an inner quietness, a peace of mind so that goodness can shine through.
Robert M. PirsigRead
The idea that the majority of students attend a university for an education independent of the degree and grades is a hypocrisy everyone is happier not to expose. Occasionally some students do arrive for an education but rote and mechanical nature of the institution soon converts them to a less idealic attitude
Interpretation
What this quote means
Students often claim they seek education, but many focus on grades instead of learning.
This quote highlights the contradiction in educational institutions where the pursuit of a genuine education is overshadowed by an emphasis on grades and degrees. It suggests that while some students initially have a desire to learn, the rigid and mechanical nature of educational systems can disillusion them, leading to a focus on achieving grades rather than fostering true understanding and knowledge.
Themes
EducationGradesLearningHypocrisyStudents
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the purpose of education, this quote can highlight the debate between learning for knowledge versus learning for grades.
More from Robert M. Pirsig
All quotes →When analytic thought, the knife, is applied to experience, something is always killed in the process.
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The Buddha resides as comfortably in the circuits of a digital computer or the gears of a cycle transmission as he does at the top of a mountain.
Robert M. PirsigRead
It's better not to see than to see wrongly.
Robert M. PirsigRead
The truth knocks on the door and you say, go away, I'm looking for the truth, and it goes away. Puzzling.
Robert M. PirsigRead
You want to know how to paint a perfect painting? It's easy. Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally.
Robert M. PirsigRead
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