Classical education Quote by Jane Ellen Harrison
““Nowadays it seems you learn only what is reasonable and relevant. I went to Rome with a young friend, educated on the latest lines, and who had taken historical honours at Cambridge. The first morning the pats of butter came up stamped with the Twins. “ Good old Romulus and Remus,” said I. “ Good old who? ” said she. She had never heard of the Twins and was much bored when I told her the story; they had no place in “ con¬ stitutional history ”, and for her the old wolf of the Capitol howled in vain: “ Great God! I’d rather be ”!””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: “The Role of Myth in Modern Thought,” 1925
Modern education often ignores mythic narratives, leading to cultural disconnect.
In simple terms: Education neglects myths, causing loss of cultural depth.
Key Takeaway
Integrate mythic stories into learning.
Themes
mythology
education
culture
Mood
inquisitive
reflective
Type
academic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- public talks
- media content
Key Concepts
anthropology
history
Questions to Reflect On
- How can myths enrich modern understanding?
- What myths could be relevant today?
A Different Perspective
Some may view myths as irrelevant to contemporary life.
![“But being overborne with numbers, and nobody daring to face about, stretching out his hands to heaven, [Romulus] prayed to Jupiter to stop the army, and not to neglect but maintain the Roman cause, now in extreme danger. The prayer was no sooner made, than shame and respect for their king checked…” quote by Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f7b/plutarch-597_army_but-being-overborne-with-numbers-and-nob_3229078.jpg)
![“The Romans did not see [the tale of Romulus, Remus and the she-wolf] as a charming story; they meant to show that they had imbibed wolfish appetites and ferocity with their mother's milk.” quote by Terry Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f68/terry-jones-16451_appetite_the-romans-did-not-see-the-tale-of-romul_1233418.jpg)
