Skip to content

Education is not the means of showing people how to get…

“Education is not the means of showing people how to get what they want. Education is an exercise by means of which enough men, it is hoped, will learn to want what is worth having.” quote by Ronald Reagan
Download Open image
“Education is not the means of showing people how to get what they want. Education is an exercise by means of which enough men, it is hoped, will learn to want what is worth having.”

Ronald Reagan

About This Quote

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

Education should shift from satisfying desires to shaping values and aspirations.

In simple terms: Teach values, not just skills.

Key Takeaway

Focus on cultivating worthwhile desires.

Themes

education values aspiration society

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • school curricula
  • parenting
  • policy making
  • career counseling

Key Concepts

human development ethical growth motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can education balance desire fulfillment with value formation?
  • What values should be prioritized?
A Different Perspective

May overlook individual autonomy in defining "worth".

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ronald Reagan

Explore all 1,244 Ronald Reagan quotes

More American education quotes

Browse all 54 American education quotes