Quote by John Henry Newman, Idea of a Uni

If then a practical end must be assigned to a University course, I say it is that of training good members of society. Its art is the art of social life, and its end is fitness for the world. It neither confines its views to particular professions on the one hand, nor creates heroes or inspires genius on the other. Works indeed of genius fall under no art; heroic minds come under no rule; a University is not a birthplace of poets or of immortal authors, of founders of schools, leaders of colonies, or conquerors of nations. It does not promise a generation of Aristotles or Newtons, of Napoleons or Washingtons, of Raphaels or Shakespeares, though such miracles of nature it has before now contained within its precincts. Nor is it content on the other hand with forming the critic or the experimentalist, the economist or the engineer, though such too it includes within its scope. But a University training is the great ordinary means to an great but ordinary end; it aims at raising the intellectual tone of society, at cultivating the public mind, at purifying the national taste, at supplying true principles to popular enthusiasm and fixed aims to popular aspiration, at giving enlargement and sobriety to the ideas of the age, at facilitating the exercise of political power, and refining the intercourse of private life. It is the education which gives a man a clear conscious view of his own opinions and judgments, a truth in developing them, an eloquence in expressing them, and a force in urging them.

Summary

In this quote, the author emphasizes that the purpose of a university education is to prepare individuals to become good and responsible members of society. The goal of a university is not to train individuals for specific professions or to create exceptional individuals, but rather to elevate the intellectual level of society as a whole. A university education aims to cultivate the public mind, refine the national taste, provide principles for collective enthusiasm, and inspire individuals' aspirations. It also seeks to develop critical thinking skills, clarity of judgment, effective communication, and the ability to advocate for one's beliefs. Ultimately, a university education aims to enhance society's understanding, political power, and personal relationships.