I believe, indeed, that overemphasis on the purely…
“I believe, indeed, that overemphasis on the purely intellectual attitude, often directed solely to the practical and factual, in our education, has led directly to the impairment of ethical values. I am not thinking so much of the dangers with which technical progress has directly confronted mankind, as of the stifling of mutual human considerations by a 'matter-of-fact' habit of thought which has come to lie like a killing frost upon human relations. Without 'ethical culture' there is no salvation for humanity.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Overemphasis on pure intellect in education erodes ethical values and harms human relationships.
In simple terms: Focusing only on facts weakens morality.
Balance intellect with ethics.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- School curricula
- corporate training
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools integrate ethics without sacrificing rigor?
- What consequences arise when facts dominate moral judgment?
Ethical teaching is hard to quantify.