Education Quote by Neil Postman
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Amusing Ourselves to Death, 1985
Education shapes the public; its purpose depends on shared narratives that inspire purpose and tolerance.
In simple terms: Education creates the kind of public we become.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate shared narratives.
Themes
education
public sphere
culture
purpose
learning
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- curriculum design
- community dialogue
- media literacy
Key Concepts
narrative theory
social constructivism
Questions to Reflect On
- What shared story can unite learners?
- How do narratives influence civic identity?
A Different Perspective
Narratives can be fragmented in diverse societies.
