Robert M. Hutchins Quotes

A collection of quotes by Robert M. Hutchins.

Robert M. Hutchins (1899-1977) was an American educator and philosopher, known for his influential contributions to the field of higher education. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Hutchins displayed exceptional academic abilities from a young age. He attended Yale University, where he graduated with honors in 1921, and later pursued his law degree at the same institution.

Hutchins began his career as a lawyer but soon found his true passion in education. In 1929, at the age of 30, he became the president of the University of Chicago, a position he held for over two decades. During his tenure, Hutchins introduced several innovative educational reforms, challenging the traditional model of higher education. He implemented a core curriculum system called the "Great Books" program, which emphasized interdisciplinary study and the humanities.

Hutchins strongly believed in the transformative power of education and advocated for the liberalization of educational opportunities. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and dialogue as essential components of education. Hutchins firmly believed that education should be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Beyond his contributions to academia, Hutchins was also a vocal advocate for social issues. He actively participated in public debates and discussions, writing extensively on topics such as free speech, democracy, and the role of education in a democratic society.

Robert M. Hutchins left an indelible mark on the American education system, challenging the status quo and championing intellectual exploration. His forward-thinking ideas continue to inspire educators and reformers to this day.

A world community can exist only with world communication, w

A world community can exist only with world communication, which means something more than extensive short-wave facilities scattered about the globe. It means common understanding, a common tradition, common ideas, and common ideals.

Robert M. Hutchins


A liberal education... frees a man from the prison-house of

A liberal education... frees a man from the prison-house of his class, race, time, place, background, family and even his nation.

Robert M. Hutchins

Education

My idea of education is to unsettle the minds of the young a

My idea of education is to unsettle the minds of the young and inflame their intellects.

Robert M. Hutchins

Education

Education is a kind of continuing dialogue, and a dialogue a

Education is a kind of continuing dialogue, and a dialogue assumes different points of view.

Robert M. Hutchins

Education

We can see the Divine in each speck of dust, but that doesn'

We can see the Divine in each speck of dust, but that doesn't stop us from wiping it away with a wet sponge. The Divine doesn't disappear; it's transformed into the clean surface.

Paulo Coelho


Education is not to reform students or amuse them or to make

Education is not to reform students or amuse them or to make them expert technicians. It is to unsettle their minds, widen their horizons, inflame their intellects, teach them to think straight, if possible.

Robert M. Hutchins

Education

The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination

The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment.

Robert M. Hutchins

Death