Famous Education and Teaching Quotes

Discover the Power of Education

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Education is the bedrock of social and economic development. Throughout history, philosophers like Aristotle and Plato recognized the importance of education. Use these famous education quotes to inspire others to follow the path of knowledge. It is only through education that we can hope to eradicate social evils.

Quotes About Formal Education

Some of the greatest thinkers believe that access to formal education is the key to equality and social justice. Many of those thinkers, including Horace Mann and Thomas Jefferson, founded schools and universities to provide the type of education they espoused. Here are some of their thoughts on formal education.

Horace Mann: "Education, then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the balance-wheel of the social machinery."

Aristotle: "The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."

Thomas Jefferson: "Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. Education and free discussion are the antidotes of both."

Benjamin Franklin: "Genius without education is like silver in the mine."

Helen Keller: "The highest result of education is tolerance."

Victor Hugo: "He who opens a school door closes a prison."

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

Nelson Mandela: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Quotes About Informal Learning

Many great thinkers believe that formal learning in a school setting is less valuable than experience and informal learning. Some even believe that formal education can slow down or warp the process of discovery and learning. Here are some of their thoughts.

Jim Rohn: "Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune."

Albert Einstein: "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school."

Oscar Wilde: "Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught."

Galileo Galilei: "You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself.” 

Quotes About Teachers and Teaching

Teaching has always been considered one of the most important professions. Over time, the actual day-to-day experience of teaching and learning has changed. The basic purpose and outcome, however, remain the same.

C. S. Lewis: "The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts."

Henry Brooks Adams: "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."

Ralph Waldo Emerson: "The secret in education lies in respecting the student."

William Arthur Ward: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” 

Nikos Kazantzakis: “True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.” 

Aristotle: “Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.” 

Henry Brooks Adams: "Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops."