The value of a college education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think.
In plain words
School matters less for the facts than for teaching you to think.
Where these words come from
- 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Response in a New York Times interview (18 May 1921) on the purpose of education over rote fact-memorization.
- New York Times interview
- 1921 · New York · Reporters' questions after the so-called 'Edison test' controversy
More from Albert Einstein
See allLife is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
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Albert EinsteinOnly a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.Albert EinsteinWeakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.Albert EinsteinEvery reference-body (co-ordinate system) has its own particular time; unless we are told the reference-body to which the statement of time refers, there is no meaning in a statement of the time of an event.Albert EinsteinThe four-dimensional mode of consideration of the “world” is natural on the theory of relativity, since according to this theory time is robbed of its independence.Albert EinsteinAs a consequence of its motion the clock goes more slowly than when at rest.Albert EinsteinMore on learning
A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.Chinese proverbThe roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
AristotleStudy the past if you would define the future.
ConfuciusBy three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.ConfuciusDo not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.
ErasmusLearning is a kind of natural food for the mind.
Cicero
AristotleStudy the past if you would define the future.ConfuciusBy three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.ConfuciusDo not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.ErasmusLearning is a kind of natural food for the mind.Cicero