International educational exchange is the most significant current project designed to continue the process of humanizing mankind to the point, we would hope, that men can learn to live in peace-eventually even to cooperate in constructive activities rather than compete in a mindless contest of mutual destruction....We must try to expand the boundaries of human wisdom, empathy and perception, and there is no way of doing that except through education.
There is nothing obscure about the objectives of educational exchange. Its purpose is to acquaint Americans with the world as it is and to acquaint students and scholars from many lands with America as it is-not as we wish it were or as we might wish foreigners to see it, but exactly as it is-which by my reckoning is an "image" of which no American need be ashamed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Educational exchange aims to provide an authentic understanding of American culture and the world.
This quote by J. William Fulbright emphasizes the importance of educational exchange programs in fostering mutual understanding between Americans and people from other countries. Fulbright advocates for portraying an honest and unfiltered image of America to international students and scholars, as well as encouraging Americans to gain a real perspective of the world. By doing so, these exchanges enrich personal experiences, break down stereotypes, and promote global cooperation, reflecting the true nature of a society without embellishment.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During an international conference, a speaker could use this quote to emphasize the importance of honest cultural exchanges.
More from J. William Fulbright
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In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.
We have the power to do any damn fool thing we want to do, and we seem to do it about every ten minutes.
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