...throughout the ages to be educated meant to be unproductive. ...our word 'school'--and its equivalent in all European languages--derives from a Greek word meaning 'leisure.' -- Landmarks of Tomorrow: A Report on the New 'Post-Modern' World (1959)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Historically, education was linked to leisure and non-productivity, contrasting with modern expectations of productive learning.
- In plain terms
- Education used to mean having free time rather than working, which differs from how we see it now.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize the historical roots of education as leisure, not just labor preparation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the true purpose of school?
- Should education be productive or leisurely?
Another view
Viewing education as purely leisure ignores its role in skill development and economic survival.
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