Cowardly Quote by Stanley Fish
“In general, higher education does not know how to speak for its interests. It offers a stance that is defensive, cowardly and likely to be ineffective.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Trouble with Higher Education,” 1995
Higher education often avoids advocating for its own interests, resulting in defensive, ineffective stances.
In simple terms: Universities stay silent about their needs.
Speak up for institutional interests.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- faculty meetings
- board discussions
- public debates
- policy lobbying
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do institutions stay defensive?
- What would effective advocacy look like?
Risk of appearing self‑serving.