The first duty of a university is to teach wisdom, not…
“The first duty of a university is to teach wisdom, not trade; character, not technicalities.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The primary mission of a university is to cultivate wisdom and character, not merely vocational skills.
In simple terms: Universities should teach wisdom, not just trades.
Prioritize moral and intellectual development.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- undergraduate programs
- faculty hiring
- student counseling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can universities integrate character building into curricula?
- What role should trade training play in higher education?
Balancing practical skills with moral education is challenging.