We are shut up in schools and college recitation rooms for ten or fifteen years, and come out at last with a bellyful of words and do not know a thing.

Summary

This quote highlights the concern that traditional education focuses too heavily on memorization and regurgitation of information, rather than fostering true understanding and knowledge. It suggests that spending years in classrooms, reciting lessons and accumulating words, does not necessarily result in actual learning or practical knowledge. It implies a criticism of educational systems that prioritize rote learning over critical thinking, application, and genuine comprehension. This quote prompts reflection on the limitations of an education solely centered around accumulating a superficial amount of information without fostering true understanding.