--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is time that we had uncommon schools…" description: "\"“It is time that we had uncommon schools, that we did not leave off our education when we begin to be men and women. It is time that villages were univ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f5/henry-david-thoreau-20_education_it-is-time-that-we-had-uncommon-schools_976437.jpg" --- # It is time that we had uncommon schools, that we did not… ![“It is time that we had uncommon schools, that we did not leave off our education when we begin to be men and women. It is time that villages were universities, and their elder inhabitants the fellows of universities, with leisure — if they are, indeed, so well off — to pursue liberal studies the…” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f5/henry-david-thoreau-20_education_it-is-time-that-we-had-uncommon-schools_976437.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f5/henry-david-thoreau-20_education_it-is-time-that-we-had-uncommon-schools_976437.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f5/henry-david-thoreau-20_education_it-is-time-that-we-had-uncommon-schools_976437.jpg) > ““It is time that we had uncommon schools, that we did not leave off our education when we begin to be men and women. It is time that villages were universities, and their elder inhabitants the fellows of universities, with leisure — if they are, indeed, so well off — to pursue liberal studies the rest of their lives.”” [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Thoreau argues for lifelong learning, proposing that villages become centers of education where elders continue scholarly pursuits throughout life. **In simple terms:** Learning should continue forever, not just in youth. Key Takeaway Embrace continuous education. Themes education lifelong learning community elder wisdom Mood inspirational hopeful Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - Adult education programs - community workshops - senior learning circles - rural development initiatives Key Concepts Humanism self‑directed study Questions to Reflect On - How can communities support lifelong learning? - What barriers exist for elders in education? 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