Thought and knowledge are natures in which apparatus and pretension avail nothing. Gowns, and pecuniary foundations, though of towns of gold, can never countervail the least sentence or syllable of wit. Forget this, and out American colleges will recede in their public importance whilst they grow richer every year.

Summary

This quote suggests that thought and knowledge are inherently valuable and cannot be replaced by material possessions or social status. The quote criticizes the overemphasis on wealth and prestige in American colleges, warning that if the importance of intellectualism is overlooked, these institutions will diminish in their impact on society despite their financial growth. It emphasizes the significance of intellectual brilliance over material wealth and highlights the need for a focus on genuine learning and intellectual development in academic institutions.

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