Adults Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“What is the matter with universities is that the students are school children, whereas it is of the very essence of university education that they should be adults.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Man and Superman, 1903
Shaw argues that universities treat students like children, contradicting the purpose of higher education to foster adult independence.
In simple terms: Universities should treat students as adults, not children.
Key Takeaway
Promote adult responsibility in education.
Themes
education
adulthood
institutional critique
student autonomy
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- College orientation
- curriculum design
- student governance
- mentorship programs
Key Concepts
Pedagogy
Maturity
Institutional roles
Questions to Reflect On
- How can universities balance guidance with adult autonomy?
- What structures support student maturity?
A Different Perspective
Adults may lack readiness, making full autonomy challenging.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
