--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The mode of founding a college is…" description: "\"The mode of founding a college is, commonly, to get up a subscription of dollars and cents, and then, following blindly the principles of a division of..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e7/henry-david-thoreau-20_cents_the-mode-of-founding-a-college-is-common_2356399.jpg" --- # The mode of founding a college is, commonly, to get up a… ![“The mode of founding a college is, commonly, to get up a subscription of dollars and cents, and then, following blindly the principles of a division of labor to its extreme,--a principle which should never be followed but with circumspection,--to call in a contractor who makes this a subject of…” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e7/henry-david-thoreau-20_cents_the-mode-of-founding-a-college-is-common_2356399.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e7/henry-david-thoreau-20_cents_the-mode-of-founding-a-college-is-common_2356399.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e7/henry-david-thoreau-20_cents_the-mode-of-founding-a-college-is-common_2356399.jpg) > “The mode of founding a college is, commonly, to get up a subscription of dollars and cents, and then, following blindly the principles of a division of labor to its extreme,--a principle which should never be followed but with circumspection,--to call in a contractor who makes this a subject of speculation,... and for these oversights successive generations have to pay.” [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. The quote criticizes the reckless, profit‑driven approach to founding institutions, warning that unchecked division of labor and speculation lead to long‑term burdens for future generations. **In simple terms:** Blind profit focus creates lasting problems. Key Takeaway Question mindful planning and oversight. Themes education economics ethics institution building Mood cautious reflective critical Type advice philosophical warning When to use this quote - founding a college - budget planning - policy making - nonprofit management Key Concepts division of labor speculation intergenerational responsibility Questions to Reflect On - How can institutions balance financial sustainability with ethical responsibility? - What safeguards prevent speculative practices? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on profit can stifle educational quality and equity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [College](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/college/) [Division of labor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/division-of-labor/) [Dollars](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dollars/) [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Extremes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/extremes/) [Generations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generations/) [Labor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/labor/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Speculation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/speculation/) ## Related quotes > [“It is not the tailor alone who is the ninth part of a man; it is as much the preacher, and the merchant, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/it-is-not-the-tailor-alone-who-is-the-ninth-part-of-a-man-it-is-as/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [We belong to the community. 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