--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think we're vastly over-invested in…" description: "\"I think we're vastly over-invested in universities. Universities should be relatively small and provide excellent education and research in a number of..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/283/stephen-harper-3432_areas_i-think-we-re-vastly-over-invested-in-un_2079767.jpg" --- # I think we're vastly over-invested in universities… ![“I think we're vastly over-invested in universities. Universities should be relatively small and provide excellent education and research in a number of specialized areas. I think the vast majority of young people should be going through non-university, post-secondary training.” quote by Stephen Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/283/stephen-harper-3432_areas_i-think-we-re-vastly-over-invested-in-un_2079767.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/283/stephen-harper-3432_areas_i-think-we-re-vastly-over-invested-in-un_2079767.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/283/stephen-harper-3432_areas_i-think-we-re-vastly-over-invested-in-un_2079767.jpg) > “I think we're vastly over-invested in universities. Universities should be relatively small and provide excellent education and research in a number of specialized areas. I think the vast majority of young people should be going through non-university, post-secondary training.” [Stephen Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-harper/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Higher education is over‑funded; smaller, focused universities and alternative training better serve most youth. **In simple terms:** Universities are too big; specialized schools and non‑university training are preferable. Key Takeaway Support smaller, specialized institutions and expand vocational pathways. Themes education policy economics skill development higher education Mood critical reflective Type analytical policy When to use this quote - career planning - government funding decisions - student counseling - workforce development Key Concepts human capital institutional efficiency specialization Questions to Reflect On - How can societies balance elite research with broad vocational training? - What are the risks of reducing university size? A Different Perspective Over‑emphasis on universities may limit diversity of learning and innovation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Excellent education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excellent-education/) [Fitness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fitness/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Research](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/research/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Training](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/training/) [Universities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universities/) [University](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/university/) [Young people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/young-people/) ## Related quotes > [I believe Betsy DeVos has the talent, commitment, and leadership capacity to revitalize our public schools and deliver the promise of opportunity that excellent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eva-moskowitz/i-believe-betsy-devos-has-the-talent-commitment-and-leadership/) [Eva Moskowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eva-moskowitz/) > [Actually, all education is self-education. 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