Jacques Barzun Quotes

A collection of quotes by Jacques Barzun.

Jacques Barzun (1907-2012) was a French-American literary historian and cultural critic. Known for his extensive knowledge of Western civilization, Barzun taught at Columbia University for most of his career. He authored numerous influential books, including "From Dawn to Decadence," which explored the intellectual history of the 500 years leading up to the 21st century. Barzun's works spanned various fields, from history and philosophy to music and education. He received several honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003 for his contributions to American culture and intellectual life.

Schools are not intended to moralize a wicked world, but to

Schools are not intended to moralize a wicked world, but to impart knowledge and develop intelligence, with only two social aims in mind: prepare to take on one's share in the world's work, and perhaps in addition, lend a hand in improving society, after schooling is done.

Music is intended and designed for sentient beings that have

Music is intended and designed for sentient beings that have hopes and purposes and emotions.

It seems a long time since the morning mail could be called

It seems a long time since the morning mail could be called correspondence.

If it were possible to talk to the unborn, one could never e

If it were possible to talk to the unborn, one could never explain to them how it feels to be alive, for life is washed in the speechless real

The truth is, when all is said and done, one does not teach

The truth is, when all is said and done, one does not teach a subject, one teaches a student how to learn it.

The test and the use of man's education is that he finds ple

The test and the use of man's education is that he finds pleasure in the exercise of his mind.

Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had bett

Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball, the rules and realities of the game.

Art distills sensations and embodies it with enhanced meanin

Art distills sensations and embodies it with enhanced meaning.

Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost

Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.

In any assembly the simplest way to stop transacting busines

In any assembly the simplest way to stop transacting business and split the ranks is to appeal to a principal.

Only a great mind that is overthrown yields tragedy.

Only a great mind that is overthrown yields tragedy.

Except among those whose education has been in the minimalis

Except among those whose education has been in the minimalist style, it is understood that hasty moral judgments about the past are a form of injustice.