Kingman Brewster, Jr. Quotes

Powerful Kingman Brewster, Jr. for Daily Growth

About Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Kingman Brewster Jr., an eminent American scholar, editor, and politician, was born on June 19, 1924, in New Haven, Connecticut. He was the son of Kingman Brewster Sr., a lawyer and university dean, and Elizabeth Cary Flexner, a writer and suffragist. Brewster attended Phillips Academy in Andover before studying at Yale University. He graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English literature in 1945. Brewster's intellectual prowess led him to become the editor of Yale's humorous magazine, 'The Yale Record.' His tenure as editor would later inspire his book, 'Wit's End: An Unfinished Education' (1967), a collection of his editorials and essays. Post-graduation, Brewster served in the U.S. Army for two years before returning to academia. He pursued graduate studies at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Upon completing his Ph.D., he returned to Yale as an assistant professor of English literature. In 1963, Brewster was appointed as the 17th president of Yale University. His tenure saw significant campus reforms, including the integration of women into undergraduate education. In 1980, he stepped down from his position to run for the U.S. Senate but lost in the primaries. Throughout his life, Brewster was a prolific author and critic. His works, including 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1953) and 'The American Jitters' (1962), were notable for their insightful commentary on politics and society. Quotes by Kingman Brewster Jr. reflect his wisdom and deep understanding of human nature: 1. "The best education in the world is an empty stomach, an empty bookcase, and a full mind." 2. "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something else is more important." 3. "Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings." Brewster died on April 17, 1988, leaving behind a legacy as an intellectual leader and a prominent figure in academia and politics.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."

This quote by Kingman Brewster, Jr. suggests that the world is vast and diverse, and limiting oneself to one's immediate surroundings is akin to reading just one page of a massive, enlightening book. Traveling allows individuals to explore various cultures, meet people, and experience different ways of life, thereby expanding their understanding of the world and its inhabitants. It's an invitation to broaden perspectives, challenge assumptions, and cultivate empathy—in essence, to read more than just one page of this extraordinary book we call the world.

"The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie - deliberate, contrived and dishonest - but the myth - persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic."

Kingman Brewster Jr.'s quote emphasizes that while lies are intentionally deceptive, myths can be equally harmful to truth. Myths are persistent stories or beliefs that are deeply ingrained in a culture or society, often with a hint of idealization. They can persist due to their persuasiveness, making them seem realistic despite being unfounded or inaccurate. Such myths can distort our understanding of reality and prevent us from making informed decisions. It's crucial to critically evaluate information, especially when it seems too good to be true, to avoid being swayed by persistent myths that can obstruct the pursuit of truth.

"A university should be a place of light, of liberty, and of learning."

This quote by Kingman Brewster, Jr. emphasizes three key principles that a university should uphold: 1. A Place of Light: Universities should foster intellectual growth and enlightenment, encouraging students to question, explore, and expand their knowledge and understanding of the world. 2. A Place of Liberty: Universities should provide an environment where students can freely express their ideas and thoughts, fostering critical thinking and independent thought, essential for personal and societal progress. 3. A Place of Learning: Universities serve as centers for academic pursuit and intellectual growth, where individuals come together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and engage in research that advances human understanding. These principles collectively aim to promote the development of well-informed, critical thinkers who can contribute positively to society.

"We are all apprentices in wisdom, and as such must be prepared to derive benefit from any and all comers."

This quote by Kingman Brewster, Jr. emphasizes that every person has something valuable to teach us, regardless of their background or status. It encourages an open-minded and receptive approach to learning, suggesting that we should be prepared to gain wisdom from anyone we encounter in life. Essentially, it underscores the importance of humility, curiosity, and a willingness to grow, as we all have roles to play in each other's intellectual journeys.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

This quote by Kingman Brewster, Jr. underscores the responsibility individuals hold in standing up against injustice and oppression. It suggests that if those who uphold moral values remain passive when faced with acts of wrongdoing or evil, they inadvertently contribute to its success. The message encourages people to take action and resist evil rather than remaining indifferent or silent, emphasizing the power of individual effort in shaping society's course.

It won't make for a quiet life but it will make for an interesting paper vastly more significant because it is doing something only a daily paper can do.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Doing, Will, More, Quiet Life

While the spoken word can travel faster, you can't take it home in your hand. Only the written word can be absorbed wholly at the convenience of the reader.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Spoken Word, Written Word, Convenience

The function of a briefing paper is to prevent the ambassador from saying something dreadfully indiscreet. I sometimes think its true object is to prevent the ambassador from saying anything at all.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Think, Sometimes, Briefing, Indiscreet

There is no greater challenge than to have someone relying upon you; no greater satisfaction than to vindicate his expectation.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Someone, Than, His, Vindicate

Incomprehensible jargon is the hallmark of a profession.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Profession, Hallmark, Jargon

Maybe you are the 'cool' generation If coolness means a capacity to stay calm and use your head in the service of ends passionately believed in, then it has my admiration.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Generation, Stay Calm, Means, Coolness

Universities should be safe havens where ruthless examination of realities will not be distorted by the aim to please or inhibited by the risk of displeasure.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Aim, Will, Displeasure, Examination

If I take refuge in ambiguity, I assure you that it's quite conscious.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Ambiguity, Refuge, Take, Assure

Judgment is more than skill. It sets forth on intellectual seas beyond the shores of hard indisputable factual information.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Intellectual, More, Sets, Shores

We all live in a televised goldfish bowl.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Live, Bowl, Goldfish, Televised

The newspaper fits the reader's program while the listener must fit the broadcaster's program.

- Kingman Brewster, Jr.

Newspaper, Fit, Reader, Broadcaster

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