I divide the world into three Classes - The few who make things happen, the many who watch things happen, the overwhelming majority who have no notion of what happens.
Nicholas Murray ButlerRead
There are many things that go to make up an education, but there are just two things without which no man can ever hope to have an education and these two things are character and good manners.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Character and good manners are essential components of true education.
This quote emphasizes that education is not solely about academic knowledge or skills; rather, it is fundamentally grounded in a person’s character and their ability to exhibit good manners. Without these two qualities, an individual may lack the crucial elements that contribute to true understanding and respect in societal interactions.
Themes
EducationCharacterMannersMoralityRespect
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech at a graduation ceremony to highlight the importance of character.
More from Nicholas Murray Butler
All quotes →The old world order changed when this war-storm broke. The old international order passed away as suddenly, as unexpectedly, and as completely as if it had been wiped out by a gigantic flood, by a great tempest, or by a volcanic eruption. The old world order died with the setting of that day's sun and a new world order is being born while I speak, with birth-pangs so terrible that it seems almost incredible that life could come out of such fearful suffering and such overwhelming sorrow.
Nicholas Murray ButlerRead
Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.
Nicholas Murray ButlerRead
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