HOW THEY SEE THE EDUCATION...

Key thoughts on education and learning,
by our leading past and present dignitaries.

1. Mahatma Gandhi:

“By education, I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in child and man—body, mind, and spirit.”

Emphasized holistic education that fosters character, values, and practical skills.

2. Nelson Mandela:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Believed education is essential for social change and empowerment.

3. Rabindranath Tagore:

“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”

Advocated for education that connects the individual with the broader universe.

4. Maria Montessori:

“Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.”

Promoted child-centric learning through self-directed activity and discovery.

5. Albert Einstein:

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

Valued critical thinking and intellectual independence over rote memorization.

6. Malala Yousafzai:

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

Advocates for universal access to education, especially for girls, to empower and transform societies.

7. Sri Aurobindo:

“The first principle of true teaching is that nothing can be taught.”

Focused on self-discovery and the inner development of the learner, emphasizing spiritual growth.

8. John Dewey:

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”

Believed in experiential learning, where education is an ongoing, active process tied to real life.

9. Confucius:

“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.”

Stressed the importance of moral education and self-cultivation as the foundation of a harmonious society.

10. Paulo Freire:

“Education either functions as an instrument to bring about conformity or freedom.”

Believed education should be a tool for liberation, encouraging critical consciousness and social justice.

These thoughts represent a wide spectrum of educational philosophies, emphasizing the development of the whole person, social empowerment, and the transformative power of learning.

Some more thoughts from more dignitaries on education and learning:

11. Aristotle:

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

Believed education should cultivate both intellectual and moral virtues.

12. Socrates:

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”

Advocated for education as a process of awakening curiosity and deep thinking rather than merely transferring knowledge.

13. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam:

“Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, knowledge makes you great.”

Emphasized the link between creativity, knowledge, and personal greatness, urging students to dream and innovate.

14. Jiddu Krishnamurti:

“The purpose of education is to bring about a profound relationship between the mind and heart, between man and nature.”

Focused on education as a way to foster awareness, self-understanding, and connection with the world.

15. Swami Vivekananda:

“Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man.”

Saw education as a way to bring out inherent potential and character rather than simply acquiring external knowledge.

16. Jean Piaget:

“The principal goal of education is to create men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.”

Focused on the development of independent, critical thinking in learners.

17. Horace Mann:

“Education, then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men.”

Believed that education is key to equality and social justice.

18. Howard Gardner:

“We must allow children to be children, to develop naturally.”

Introduced the theory of multiple intelligences, stressing that education should address diverse ways of learning and abilities.

19. Benjamin Franklin:

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

Highlighted the importance of active participation and experiential learning for deeper understanding.

20. Dalai Lama:

“When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.”

Emphasized the need for compassion and emotional intelligence in education for holistic development.

These dignitaries reflect diverse perspectives on education, emphasizing critical thinking, emotional growth, moral development, and lifelong learning.