Universities are the cathedrals of the modern age. They shouldn't have to justify their existence by utilitarian criteria.
Interpretation
Universities are vital institutions that should not be judged solely based on their practical benefits.
David Lodge's quote emphasizes the importance of universities as centers of knowledge and culture, akin to the cathedrals of the past. He argues that these institutions should not be forced to justify their value based on utilitarian metrics, such as job preparation or economic output, but rather be appreciated for their role in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech at a graduation ceremony to highlight the importance of education.
to read is to surrender oneself to an endless displacement of curiosity and desire from one sentence to another, from one action to another, from one level of a text to another. The text unveils itself before us, but never allows itself to be possessed; and instead of trying to possess it we should take pleasure in its teasing
Further Education should be about the ability to learn, not the ability to pay - everyone who is able should have the opportunity, regardless of their family background. I don't want to see students struggling with huge debts or frightened off even going to university in the first place.
Privilege is not in and of itself bad; what matters is what we do with privilege. I want to live in a world where all women have access to education, and all women can earn PhDβs, if they so desire. Privilege does not have to be negative, but we have to share our resources and take direction about how to use our privilege in ways that empower those who lack it.
We buy books because we believe we're buying the time to read them.
The ideas gained by men before they are twenty-five are practically the only ideas they shall have in their lives.
I consider the world, this Earth, to be like a school, and our life the classrooms.
We do not wish to abolish teaching and to make every man his own master, but if the curates will not teach the gospel, the layman must have the Scripture, and read it for himself, taking God for his teacher.
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