It is no small mischief to a boy, that many of the best years of his life should be devoted to the learning of what can never be of any real use to any human being. His mind is necessarily rendered frivolous and superficial by the long habit of attaching importance to words instead of things; to sound instead of sense.

Summary

This quote highlights the detrimental impact of an education system that prioritizes rote learning and neglects practical knowledge. It suggests that forcing young individuals to focus on useless academic subjects leaves them with a shallow understanding of the world. By valuing words over their underlying meanings and placing excessive importance on appearances rather than substance, their minds become superficial and lacking in critical thinking skills. Ultimately, the quote argues against the value of an education system that fails to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for a practical and meaningful life.

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