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There is a myth that the purpose of education is to give…

“There is a myth that the purpose of education is to give one the means for upward mobility and success. The plain truth is that the planet does not need more successful people. But it does need desperately more peacemakers, healers, restorers, story tellers, and lovers of every shape and form.” quote by David W. Orr
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“There is a myth that the purpose of education is to give one the means for upward mobility and success. The plain truth is that the planet does not need more successful people. But it does need desperately more peacemakers, healers, restorers, story tellers, and lovers of every shape and form.”

David W. Orr

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author critiques the myth that education’s goal is upward mobility, arguing instead for cultivating peacemakers, healers, and storytellers.

In simple terms: Education should create healers, not just successful people.

Key Takeaway

Teach for compassion and restoration.

Themes

education social good peace

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • school curricula
  • community projects
  • environmental activism

Key Concepts

systems thinking humanistic pedagogy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can schools prioritize peacemaking?
  • What role do storytellers play in societal health?
A Different Perspective

Implementing such curricula faces institutional resistance.

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