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If then a practical end must be assigned to a University course, I say it is that of training good members of society... It is the education which gives a man a clear, conscious view of their own opinions and judgements, a truth in developing them, an eloquence in expressing them, and a force in urging them. It teaches him to see things as they are, to go right to the point, to disentangle a skein of thought to detect what is sophistical and to discard what is irrelevant.
John Henry Newman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the purpose of university education in fostering good societal members through critical thinking and eloquence.

John Henry Newman asserts that the primary goal of a university education is to cultivate individuals who contribute positively to society. He highlights the importance of developing clear opinions, effective communication skills, and the ability to think critically. By training students to discern truth from fallacy, universities equip learners with the tools necessary to navigate complex ideas and contribute meaningfully to societal discourse.

Themes

EducationSocietyCritical ThinkingCommunicationOpinions

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a speech at a graduation ceremony to inspire students about the impact of their education.

More from John Henry Newman

It is as absurd to argue men, as to torture them, into believing.
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A cloud of incense was rising on high; the people suddenly all bowed low; what could it mean? The truth flashed on him, fearfully yet sweetly; it was the Blessed Sacrament - it was the Lord Incarnate who was on the altar, who had come to visit and bless his people. It was the Great Presence, which makes a Catholic Church different from every other place in the world; which makes it, as no other place can be - holy.
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It is seldom we have the heart to throw ourselves, if I may so speak, on the Divine Arm; we dare not trust ourselves on the waters, though Christ bids us. We have not St. Peter's love to ask leave to come to him upon the sea. When we once are filled with that heavenly charity, we can do all things, because we attempt all things - for to attempt is to do.
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Now what is it moves our very hearts, and sickens us so much at cruelty shown to poor brutes? I suppose this first, that they have done no harm; next, that they have no power whatever of resistance; it is the cowardice and tyranny of which they are the victims which makes their sufferings so especially touching.
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A science is not mere knowledge, it is knowledge which has undergone a process of intellectual digestion. It is the grasp of many things brought together in one, and hence is its power; for, properly speaking, it is Science that is power, not Knowledge.
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Evil has no substance of its own, but is only the defect, excess, perversion, or corruption of that which has substance.
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