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Polly Berrien Berends Quotes

Powerful Polly Berrien Berends for Daily Growth

About Polly Berrien Berends

Polly Berrien Berends (1936-2017) was an influential American anthropologist, ethnographer, and professor who dedicated her career to the study of education in everyday life. Born on February 8, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, Berends grew up with a strong sense of social justice and a passion for learning, nurtured by her parents, both educators who emphasized the importance of understanding diverse cultures and perspectives. Berends earned her B.A. in Sociology at Barnard College and later completed her Ph.D. in Anthropology at Harvard University. Her dissertation, "The Education of Working Class Students," was a groundbreaking work that explored the experiences of working-class students in American high schools. In 1968, Berends joined the faculty at the University of Michigan, where she spent most of her academic career. She became a pioneer in the field of ethnography and education, using qualitative research methods to investigate the complexities of schooling and learning. Her seminal work, "Learning to Labor: How Working Class Kids Get Working Class Jobs," published in 1973, remains a classic text in the study of social class and education. Berends' later works focused on the role of culture and context in shaping educational experiences. Notable among these are "From Craft to Art: The Dilemmas of an Urban High School" (1986) and "Schooling in a Culture of Poverty: The Educational Careers of Young People from the Lower East Side" (2005). Throughout her career, Berends was committed to bridging the gap between academic research and practical education. She believed that understanding the cultural context of students' lives could lead to more equitable and effective educational practices. Berends passed away in 2017, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship that continues to influence education research today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

This quote suggests that instead of trying to guess or foresee what our future might hold, we should actively shape it through our actions and decisions in the present. Essentially, it encourages proactivity and self-determination in shaping one's own destiny rather than passively accepting what life throws at us.

"To educate a child in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society."

This quote emphasizes the importance of instilling moral values in children as part of their education. The implication is that an education focused solely on academic knowledge, without addressing ethical and moral principles, will result in individuals who pose a threat to society due to their lack of understanding and adherence to righteous behavior. Thus, education should encompass both intellectual development and moral growth.

"Success is a journey, not a destination."

This quote by Polly Berrien Berends emphasizes that success is not about reaching an end point but rather it's about the process of growth and achievement along the way. It suggests that the path towards success - the learning, experiences, challenges, and adaptations - are just as important as the final outcome itself. Success should be viewed as a continuous journey, where each step brings new opportunities for development and self-discovery.

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

This quote by Polly Berrien Berends emphasizes that education holds immense power as a transformative force in society. It suggests that with knowledge, skills, and understanding gained through education, individuals can effect positive change on a global scale. By equipping people with the tools to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively, we empower them to reshape their world for the better. In essence, education is not just about academic success but also about fostering agents of positive change who can contribute to global progress.

"Teach children to respect the culture of others and they will be amazed at the number of friends they make."

This quote emphasizes the importance of fostering cultural understanding and respect among children. By teaching them to appreciate and value diverse cultures, they not only enrich their own perspectives but also create opportunities for making more friends. This increased friendship network is a natural outcome when individuals take the time to learn about and respect one another's cultures. In essence, the quote suggests that fostering cultural understanding can be an effective strategy in promoting intercultural relationships and friendships.

A sense of worthiness is a child's most important need.

- Polly Berrien Berends

Important, Need, Most, Worthiness

The parent is the strongest statement that the child hears regarding what it means to be alive and real. More than what we say or do, the way we are expresses what we think it means to be alive. So the articulate parent is less a telling than a listening individual.

- Polly Berrien Berends

Listening, Parent, Means, Articulate

Parenthood always comes as a shock. Postpartum blues? Postpartum panic is more like it. We set out to have a baby; what we get is a total take-over of our lives.

- Polly Berrien Berends

Parenting, Always, Set, Panic

My list of things I never pictured myself saying when I pictured myself as a parent has grown over the years.

- Polly Berrien Berends

Myself, Parent, Over, List

Most of us would do more for our babies than we have ever been willing to do for anyone, even ourselves.

- Polly Berrien Berends

More, Been, Willing, Babies

The gain is not the having of children; it is the discovery of love and how to be loving.

- Polly Berrien Berends

Love, Parenting, How, Children

We can see that the baby is as much an instrument of nourishment for us as we are for him.

- Polly Berrien Berends

Baby, Him, See, Instrument

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