Quote by Richard Hofstadter
The delicate thing about the university is that it has a mixed character, that it is suspended between its position in the eternal world, with all its corruption and evils and cruelties, and the splendid world of our imagination.
Summary
This quote suggests that universities have a unique nature, as they exist in both the flawed reality of the world and the idealized realm of human imagination. The "mixed character" implies that universities are susceptible to the negative influences and flaws present in society, such as corruption and cruelty. Simultaneously, they are also seen as marvelous and magnificent institutions that embody the imagination and aspirations of individuals seeking knowledge and enlightenment. This quote highlights the intricate balance between the imperfect aspects of universities and the transcendent potential they hold.