Skip to content

Abiding Quote by William Howard Taft

“Unless education promotes character making, unless it helps men to be more moral, more just to their fellows, more law abiding, more discriminatingly patriotic and public spirited, it is not worth the trouble taken to furnish it.” quote by William Howard Taft
Download Open image
“Unless education promotes character making, unless it helps men to be more moral, more just to their fellows, more law abiding, more discriminatingly patriotic and public spirited, it is not worth the trouble taken to furnish it.”

William Howard Taft

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the American Education Association, 1915

Education should develop moral character and civic virtue, not just knowledge; otherwise it lacks purpose.

In simple terms: Education must teach values, not just facts.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize character education.

Themes

education morality citizenship

Mood

thoughtful concerned

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • curriculum design
  • parental guidance

Key Concepts

civic duty ethical development public policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can schools balance knowledge and character?
  • What values are most essential today?
A Different Perspective

Education alone cannot guarantee virtue.

4.0 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by William Howard Taft

Explore all 142 William Howard Taft quotes

More Abiding quotes

Browse all 387 Abiding quotes