I feel very strongly indeed that a Cambridge education for our scientists should include some contact with the humanistic side. The gift of expression is important to them as scientists; the best research is wasted when it is extremely difficult to discover what it is all about ... It is even more important when scientists are called upon to play their part in the world of affairs, as is happening to an increasing extent.
Interpretation
A well-rounded education for scientists should combine technical skills with humanistic understanding.
William Lawrence Bragg emphasizes the importance of integrating humanistic elements into the education of scientists. He argues that while technical knowledge is crucial, the ability to communicate ideas effectively is equally important, especially as scientists increasingly engage in public affairs and policy-making. This perspective highlights the necessity for scientists to bridge the gap between complex research and public comprehension, ensuring that their findings contribute meaningfully to society.
In practice
In a lecture on the importance of interdisciplinary studies, this quote can reinforce the value of merging scientific knowledge with the humanities.
A liberal education will impart an awareness of the amazing and precious complexity of human relationships. Since those relationships are violated more often out of insensitiveness than out of deliberate intent, whatever increases sensitiveness of perception and understanding humanizes life.
We have entered an age in which education is not just a luxury permitting some men an advantage over others. It has become a necessity without which a person is defenseless in this complex, industrialized society. We have truly entered the century of the educated man.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
Education must be increasingly concerned about the fullest development of all children and youth, and it will be the responsibility of the schools to seek learning conditions which will enable each individual to reach the highest level of learning possible.
Reading things that are relevant to the facts of your life is of limited value. The facts are, after all, only the facts, and the yearning passionate part of you will not be met there. That is why reading ourselves as a fiction as well as fact is so liberating. The wider we read the freer we become.
Anyone who has a child today should train him to be either a physicist or a ballet dancer. Then he'll escape.
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