Equality and justice, the two great distinguishing characteristics of democracy, follow inevitably from the conception of men, all men, as rational and spiritual beings.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
There is only one justification for universities, as distinguished from trade schools. They must be centers of criticism.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Universities should promote critical thinking rather than just practical skills.
Robert M. Hutchins argues that the primary purpose of universities is to foster an environment where criticism and inquiry are encouraged. Unlike trade schools that focus on specific vocational training, universities should prioritize intellectual exploration and critical analysis, shaping well-rounded individuals capable of thoughtful engagement with complex ideas.
Themes
UniversitiesCriticismEducationThinkingInquiry
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the importance of higher education, a speaker might use this quote to highlight the role of universities in fostering critical thought.
More from Robert M. Hutchins
All quotes βEvery act of every man is a moral act, to be tested by moral, and not by economic criteria.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
Education is a kind of continuing dialogue, and a dialogue assumes different points of view.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
A student can win twelve letters at a university without learning how to write one.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
A civilization in which there is not a continuous controversy about important issues is on the way to totalitarianism and death
Robert M. HutchinsRead
America's experiment with government of the people, by the people, and for the people depends not only on constitutional structure and organization but also on the commitment, person to person, that we make to each other.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
Similar quotes
I think there in a great deal to be said for religious education in the sense of teaching about religion and biblical literacy. Both those things, by the way, I suspect will prepare a child to give up religion. If you are taught comparative religion, you are more likely to realise that there are other religions than the one you have been brought up in. And if you are if you are taught to read the bible, I can think of almost nothing more calculated to turn you off religion.
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The greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth. From this almost mystic affirmation there comes what may seem a strange conclusion: that education must start from birth.
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Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations. Books, the oldest and the best, stand naturally and rightfully on the shelves of every cottage. They have no cause of their own to plead, but while they enlighten and sustain the reader his common sense will not refuse them. Their authors are a natural and irresistible aristocracy in every society, and, more than kings or emperors, exert an influence on mankind.
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My father paid for my education; then he made it clear that I was on my own.
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Any piece of knowledge which the pupil has himself acquired- any problem which he has himself solved, becomes, by virtue of the conquest, much more thoroughly his than it could else be. The preliminary activity of mind which his success implies, the concentration of thought necessary to it, and the excitement consequent on his triumph, conspire to register the facts in his memory in a way that no mere information heard from a teacher, or read in a schoolbook, can be registered.
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Children are wonderfully confident in their own imaginations. Most of us lose this confidence as we grow up.
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