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Animus Quote by David E. Cooper

“Like Nietzsche's own writings on education, most of mine were relatively youthful ones. Both were inspired by a critical animus against prevailing trends in education: in Nietzsche's case, the production either of 'useless', dry-as-dust scholars or people 'useful' for the needs of an expanding…” quote by David E. Cooper
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“Like Nietzsche's own writings on education, most of mine were relatively youthful ones. Both were inspired by a critical animus against prevailing trends in education: in Nietzsche's case, the production either of 'useless', dry-as-dust scholars or people 'useful' for the needs of an expanding industrial economy; in my case, a similar subjection of education to economic imperatives, but also to ideological obsessions, notably with promoting 'equality'.”

David E. Cooper

About This Quote

Source Essay: Education and the Crisis of Equality, 2005

Both critique education's subservience to economic and ideological goals, urging a return to genuine learning beyond utility.

In simple terms: Education should serve learning, not just economy or ideology.

Key Takeaway

Question education's purpose beyond profit and conformity.

Themes

education economics ideology critical thinking equality

Mood

critical analytical concerned

Type

philosophical critical.

When to use this quote

  • curriculum design
  • teacher training
  • policy reform
  • student empowerment

Key Concepts

philosophy of education social critique policy analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would education look like if freed from market demands?
  • How can we balance equality with individual creativity?
A Different Perspective

Economic pressures often dominate reforms, sidelining deeper learning.

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