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.
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A student can win twelve letters at a university without learning how to write one.
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A civilization in which there is not a continuous controversy about important issues is on the way to totalitarianism and death
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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
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Reading and writing and the preservation of language and its forms and the kind of eloquence and the kind of beauty which the language is capable of is terribly important to the human beings because this is connected to thought.
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