1. “To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe” -Marilyn Vos Savant
These beautiful words are attributed to the American woman known for having the highest recorded IQ. So you see, I was much more focused on becoming wise…
2. “I study myself more than I study any other subject; that is my metaphysics, that is my physics” -Michel De Montaigne
The wisdom in Montaigne’s philosophy is far above the narrow-mindedness of my Curriculum professor.
In fact, if she'd done more of this introspection, I'm sure we could all have been spared a considerable amount of grief, pain, and torment.3. “The ideal student would be one who was not working for grades but was working because he was interested in the work and not trying to compete with fellow students” -Carl David Anderson
According to the guy who discovered positron, I’m pretty much the ideal student. What can my transcript say that will trump that? And let’s not forget how much I believe in the power of collaboration and sharing our achievements.
4. “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its own life believing that it is stupid” -Albert Einstein
Honestly, this is why geniuses like Einstein are rare. You have to understand the genius of humanity to be a genius (and maybe fail a few classes along the way).
After all, Einstein failed college entrance exams but we wouldn't have our dear old theory of relativity if he'd given up on his personal brand of genius.5. “It’s okay to fail; it’s not okay to quit” -Chris Gardner
Well, there you have it—no one needs to worry about me because I am absolutely A-ok right now, and I’m going to be coming back to college next semester to endure the education system all over again!
6. “If the purpose for learning is to score well on a test, we’ve lost sight of the real reason for learning”
-Jeannie FullbrightAh, Auntie, this is the real reason for the discrepancy in our views of learning. While you were hoarding your brilliant son's report cards, I wasn’t studying just to pass my exams. I was studying to cultivate my mind, soul, and body.
Who sounds better off?
7. “Education is learning what you didn’t even know you didn’t know” -Daniel J. Boorstin
I feel like I must be the most educated person on the planet— at least, now I know just how much I do not know.
8. “The aim of university education should be to turn out true servants of the people who will live and die for the country’s freedom” -Mahatma Gandhi
Whatever you may have against me, you can't deny the fervor of my patriotic spirit. (Cue singing) And patriotism, respect for our country, is the greatest virtue of aallll…
9. “The whole educational and professional training system is a very elaborate filter, which just weeds out people who are too independent, and who think for themselves, and who don't know how to be submissive, and so on -- because they're dysfunctional to the institutions” -Noam Chomsky
When in doubt, blame it on the education system.
And if you haven't had a chance, have your dear old great-aunt or uncle, or second cousin on your mother's side introduced to the research surrounding the many flaws in our education system.10. “Why is it that the people with the most narrow of minds seem to have the widest of mouths” -Lewis Carroll
To all my well-meaning relatives, that quote is pretty self-explanatory— happy holidays, you nosy people, and let's be thankful it's a new year!
