The fetish of the great university, of expensive colleges…
“The fetish of the great university, of expensive colleges for young women, is too often simply a fetish. It is not based on a genuine desire for learning. Education today need not be sought at any great distance. It is largely compounded of two things, of a certain snobbishness on the part of parents, and of escape from home on the part of youth. And to those who must earn quickly it is often sheer waste of time. Very few colleges prepare their students for any special work.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Education is often pursued for status and escape rather than genuine learning, leading to wasted time and poor preparation for work.
In simple terms: College can be a status symbol, not always a learning tool.
Key Takeaway
Seek education that truly adds value.
Themes
education
status
parental pressure
youth escape
career readiness
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
advisory
When to use this quote
- students choosing schools for prestige
- parents pushing elite colleges
- young adults seeking independence
- employers evaluating graduates
Key Concepts
snobbery
misaligned expectations
opportunity cost
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your educational choices?
- How can you assess a school's real value?
A Different Perspective
Not all institutions provide practical skills; some still offer valuable networks.