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About this quote

What does it mean?
Universities dominated by intellectuals often fail to be optimal spaces for creative talent outside pure science. They rarely originate new art or social theory.
In plain terms
Universities often lack creativity outside of science.
What can you take from it?
Do not assume academic institutions foster all types of creativity.

Where it applies

  • academic career planning
  • institutional critique
  • arts education

Putting it to work

  • seek non-academic creative hubs
  • critique institutional output

Questions to consider

  • Where do new ideas actually come from?
  • Is academia stifling?

Another view

Some universities have strong creative programs.

More from Eric Hoffer

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