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He that studies books alone, will know how things ought to be; and he that studies men, will know how things are.
Charles Caleb Colton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Studying books provides theoretical knowledge while studying people offers practical understanding.

This quote emphasizes the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. While books can provide insights into what should be done or what knowledge exists, the experience of interacting with people reveals the complexities of real life, allowing for a deeper understanding of how things truly are.

Themes

EducationKnowledgeExperienceBooksPeople

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion on the value of education, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of real-life experiences.

More from Charles Caleb Colton

Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
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It is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
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The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
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Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
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Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
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Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
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If you educate a boy, you educate a person, but if you educate a girl, you educate a family and benefit an entire community.” An entire community - now that is really interesting! Then I found the quote changed a little more on the Kingdom of Jordan website by her Royal Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan during her interview with Oprah Winfrey. Queen Rania relates the quote in these words: β€œAs you educate a woman, you educate the family. If you educate the girls, you educate the future.
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The Negro race, like all races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men. The problem of education, then, among Negroes must first of all deal with the Talented Tenth; it is the problem of developing the Best of this race that they may guide the Mass away from the contamination and death of the Worst, in their own and other races.
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