Alexander: I myself was educated in Italy. My doctorate in philosophy is from the University of Padua. Renne: Really? Philosophy? Alexander: My dissertation was on worms. Renne: Worms the philosopher? Alexander: No, just worms. Renne: Ah, the philosophy of worms. Alexander: Not at all. Worms have no philosophy, as far as is known.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Philosophy can be trivial when disconnected from real insight.
- In plain terms
- Someone with a philosophy degree is joking about worms having no thought.
- What can you take from it?
- Formal education does not guarantee deep thinking.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a field philosophical?
- Is education about facts or wisdom?
Another view
It simplifies the value of specialized study.
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