The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think - rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with the thoughts of other men.

James Beattie
About This Quote

The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think - rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with the thoughts of other men. Lord Acton is regarded as the father of modern political science. He was a profound thinker, whose interests encompassed politics, culture, history, society and religion. This quote is taken from his book "Essays in the History of Freedom" published in 1887.

It communicates his beliefs about the purpose of education along with his thoughts on how corrupting power can change people. The emphasis he places on teaching individuals how to think for themselves rather than following the thinking of others is something that remains true today even though there are many different media outlets that are available.

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  1. The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think - rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with the thoughts of other men.
  2. How sweet the words of Truth, breathed from the lips of Love.
  3. No jealousy their dawn of love overcast, nor blasted were their wedded days with strife; each season looked delightful as it past, to the fond husband and the faithful wife.
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