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..the overemphasis on the Baconian doctrine of knowledge as power, and the accompanying concern with gaining power over nature as well as over ourselves in the sense of treating ourself as objects to be manipulated rather than human beings whose aim is to expand in meaningful living, have resulted in the invalidation of the self. This tends to shrink the individual's consciousness, to block off his awareness, and thus play into...unconstructive anxiety...I propose that the aim of education is exactly the opposite, namely, the widening and deepening of consciousness. To the extent that education can help the student develop sensitivity, depth of perception, and above all the capacity to perceive significant forms in what he is studying, it will be developing at the same time the student's capacity to deal with anxiety constructively.

Rollo May#20

FearConsciousnessAwarenessEducationLearning

About this quote

What does it mean?
Focusing on knowledge as power shrinks consciousness and causes anxiety; education should deepen consciousness to help manage anxiety.
In plain terms
Seeing knowledge only as power limits us; education should expand awareness to handle worry.
What can you take from it?
Education should deepen awareness to reduce anxiety.

Where it applies

  • academic focus
  • skill training
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • prioritize deep learning
  • cultivate perception
  • question utility focus

Questions to consider

  • Does your education deepen or narrow your awareness?
  • How do you learn most meaningfully?

Another view

It overlooks practical skills that also help manage anxiety.

More from Rollo May

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  2. a person can meet anxiety to the extent that his values are stronger than the threat.

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  3. Increasingly in our time--this is an inevitable result of collectivization--it is the organization man who succeeds. And he is characterized by the fact that h…

    Permalink to quote #18

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