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If the colleges were better, if they ... had the power of imparting valuable thought, creative principles, truths which become powers, thoughts which become talents, - if they could cause that a mind not profound should become profound, - we should all rush to their gates: instead of contriving inducements to draw students, you would need to set police at the gates to keep order in the in-rushing multitude.

Ralph Waldo Emerson#18

ValueLearningEducationQualityInstitution

About this quote

What does it mean?
Educational institutions should focus on imparting deep, transformative truths rather than attracting students with superficial inducements.
In plain terms
If colleges taught real value, everyone would rush to attend without needing promotions.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize quality and depth in education to attract students naturally.

Where it applies

  • university administration
  • curriculum design
  • policy making

Putting it to work

  • focus on deep learning
  • avoid marketing gimmicks
  • measure outcomes

Questions to consider

  • What makes education truly valuable?
  • How would you improve a college?

Another view

Practical constraints often require marketing to fund education.

More from Ralph Waldo Emerson

  1. Never read any book that is not a year old.

    Permalink to quote #17
  2. Only the great generalizations survive. The sharp words of the Declaration of Independence, lampooned then and since as 'glittering generalities,' have turned …

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. Nothing can be preserved that is not good.

    Permalink to quote #16

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