Skip to content

Education Quote by Neil Postman

“Public education does not serve a public. It creates a public. And in creating the right kind of public, the schools contribute toward strengthening the spiritual basis of the American Creed. That is how Jefferson understood it, how Horace Mann understood it, how John Dewey understood it, and in…” quote by Neil Postman
Download Open image
““Public education does not serve a public. It creates a public. And in creating the right kind of public, the schools contribute toward strengthening the spiritual basis of the American Creed. That is how Jefferson understood it, how Horace Mann understood it, how John Dewey understood it, and in fact, there is no other way to understand it. The question is not, Does or doesn't public schooling create a public? The question is, What kind of public does it create? A conglomerate of self-indulgent consumers? Angry, soulless, directionless masses? Indifferent, confused citizens? Or a public imbued with confidence, a sense of purpose, a respect for learning, and tolerance? The answer to this question has nothing whatever to do with computers, with testing, with teacher accountability, with class size, and with the other details of managing schools. The right answer depends on two things, and two things alone: the existence of shared narratives and the capacity of such narratives to provide an inspired reason for schooling.””

Neil Postman

About This Quote

Source Book: Teaching as a Subversive Activity, 1967

Education shapes society by forming a shared public identity through narratives, not merely by technical details.

In simple terms: Schools create the kind of public they inspire.

Key Takeaway

Focus on shared narratives to inspire purpose.

Themes

education public sphere identity purpose media

Mood

reflective critical inspirational

Type

philosophical educational sociopolitical

When to use this quote

  • curriculum design
  • community building
  • teacher training
  • policy debates

Key Concepts

Narrative theory civic education social construction

Questions to Reflect On

  • What narratives should schools prioritize?
  • How can narratives be inclusive?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on narratives may ignore structural inequities.

3.5 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Neil Postman

Explore all 220 Neil Postman quotes

More Education quotes

Browse all 37,680 Education quotes