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A liberal education is that which aims to develop faculty without ulterior views of profession or other means of gaining a livelihood. It considers man an end in himself and not an instrument whereby something is to be wrought. Its ideal is human perfection.

— John Lancaster Spalding Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

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More quotes by John Lancaster Spalding

There are faults which show heart and win hearts, while the virtue in which there is no love, repels.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

Since the mass of mankind are too ignorant or too indolent to think seriously, if majorities are right it is by accident.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

The disinterested love of truth which culture fosters is akin to the unselfishness which is a characteristic of the good.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

To think profoundly, to seek and speak truth, to love justice and denounce wrong is to draw upon one’s self the ill will of many.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

Perfection is beyond our reach, but they who earnestly strive to become perfect, acquire excellences and virtues of which the multitude have no conception.

Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)

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You have to start with the truth. The truth is the only way that we can get anywhere. Because any decision-making that is based upon lies or ignorance can't lead to a good conclusion.

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All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man's life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom.

Albert Einstein Moral Decay (1937)

The greater part of humanity is too much harassed and fatigued by the struggle with want, to rally itself for a new and sterner struggle with error.

Friedrich Schiller On the Aesthetic Education of Man (1794)

Men are born ignorant, not stupid; they are made stupid by education.

Bertrand Russell

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John Lancaster Spalding (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.