"The first half of our life is ruined by our formal education, and the second half by our informal education."
This quote by Ariel Durant suggests that traditional formal education, with its focus on structured learning and academic achievement, can limit or constrain personal growth and development during the first stage of one's life. The rigidity and lack of practical application of this education may leave individuals unprepared for real-world challenges. In the second half of life, people often seek self-improvement through informal education – experiences, relationships, and self-discovery that expand their understanding of themselves and the world. However, these lessons can sometimes come at a cost as they may challenge previously held beliefs or force one to confront uncomfortable truths about oneself or society. Ultimately, Durant emphasizes the importance of embracing both formal and informal education as essential aspects of personal growth and development.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."
This quote emphasizes that our character and abilities are shaped by consistent actions, rather than by isolated instances of excellence. In other words, if one aspires to achieve excellence, it should become a regular part of their behavior, not just an exceptional event. The cultivation of good habits over time leads to the development of personal excellence.
"Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil."
This quote by Ariel Durant highlights the importance of teaching not just practical skills or knowledge, but also moral and ethical values in education. Without values, students may become skilled in their fields but lack the sense of right and wrong that guides responsible decision-making. This could lead to misuse of knowledge and power, making them "more clever devils" who might use their abilities for personal gain or harm instead of good.
"A civilization is a proposition about how one should live."
A civilization is a collective agreement or set of values, customs, and practices that define societal behavior, encompassing aspects such as social norms, cultural expression, and moral principles. The quote by Ariel Durant suggests that each civilization represents a unique proposal for how people should live together in harmony, balancing individual needs with the common good. This proposition is continually evolving, reflecting the adaptability of human societies over time.
"To be goes on being—that is, on becoming something else." (This quote is often attributed to Ariel Durant, but it was actually written by his wife, philosopher and sociologist Alison Tanis Goolcott Durant.)
This quote suggests that life or existence is a continuous process of change and transformation. Rather than remaining static, everything in the universe evolves and progresses towards becoming something different over time. It emphasizes the importance of growth, adaptation, and metamorphosis as integral aspects of our own identities and the world around us.
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