These are the inspirational quotes about education to save for when you need some extra motivation. You can pin these wise words above your desk, make them your desktop background, or write them over and over again in your notes. Both high school and college are challenging points in our lives, and sometimes they can be overwhelming. However, if you persevere it will all be worth it in the end–just ask these incredibly influential people (both past and present) who have amazing things to say about the importance of education. From one generation to the next, we can be inspired by their words to keep moving forward.
Inspirational Quotes about Education
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” –Nelson Mandela
Said by a man who really did change the world. Nelson Mandela was a revolutionary politician and icon of equality during apartheid in South Africa. He united the wonderfully diverse country and brought it into a new age of democracy and equality. His lifetime of dedicated work can be summed up with South Africa’s motto: “Unity through diversity.”
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.
The legendary civil rights activist MLK always knew the importance of education. He knew it was more than just learning math formulas or biological processes–education is the act of learning how to think for yourself, how to look critically at the world and understand how it works.
“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” –Aristotle
Even Aristotle thought learning was hard work. But like this Greek philosopher says, it all pays off in the end. A student of Plato and the teacher of Alexander the Great, Aristotle is quite the authority on education, especially since medieval Muslim scholars referred to him as “the First Teacher.”
“Education is the key to unlock the golden door to freedom.” –George Washington Carver
Born into slavery, George Washington Carver went on to become a botanist and inventor, as well as a leader of environmentalism. He wanted to improve farming practices for impoverished farmers. Time magazine dubbed him the “Black Leonardo [da Vinci]” in 1941. Carver’s quote still rings true today, as education can open up many opportunities to those willing to learn.
“Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” —Malcolm Forbes
Picture your mind like an empty jar. Then, as you experience and interact with the world around you, more things go into that jar. Today, there are plenty of ingredients or sources that could fill that empty jar with clutter – things like staged lives on social media or tragic news stories on tv. But education has the ability to fill an empty mind with useful sustenance.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” –Benjamin Franklin
It almost feels as if this quote was tailor-made for the present, given the costs of college nowadays. Benjamin Franklin was a founding father, author, inventor, scientist, theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, civic activist, and diplomat among other things. He also founded what would eventually become the University of Pennsylvania and acted as its first president, so Benjamin Franklin really knew a thing or two about the importance of education.
“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” –Diogenes of Sinope
The concept of ‘children are the future’ has been around since the times of ancient Greece. Diogenes, sometimes called Diogenes the Cynic, was a philosopher of the controversial sort. He disagreed with Plato, mocked Alexander the Great, and pulled strange philosophic stunts in public. Despite all that, Diogenes knew the importance of educating the future generations, as they would be the ones who shaped the world.
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” –Malala Yousafzai
Malala is a true modern marvel, especially in the realm of education. The incredible young woman was shot in the head point-blank as she stood up for educational rights. She survived and now campaigns worldwide about the critical importance of education for all. An icon for equality, peace, and understanding, Malala has a host of quotes that will inspire anyone and everyone when it comes to learning.
“Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.” – Leonardo da Vinci.
These words from Leonardo da Vinci are a great reminder when it comes to studying. It is easy to sometimes just go through the motions of school, taking notes during class and studying those notes to perform well on a test. But to truly get the most out of a lesson, there must be an element of desire to know that information. Sure, not every subject you study may be something you are passionate about. But for the subjects that are part of your major that you plan to use in the future, channel that desire you have for the subject so that you can better retain the lessons from it.
“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” ― Confucius
Education is so much more than just a grade or a diploma. It is a seed that is planted that has many fruits that can last a lifetime. We all need a little more confidence, hope, and peace in our lives. And our education has the power to produce those things.
And the list of inspirational quotes about education goes on. Famous people from all professions and all walks of life speak to the importance of a good education. Authors like Robert Frost, scientists like Albert Einstein, presidents like Abraham Lincoln, and even entrepreneurs like Walt Disney all speak about how education is a beautiful thing that can awaken joy in an individual and make the world better. So, on those hard days when school feels like a challenge, think of some of these quotes to help you remember the foundation of your education and how it will help you and your future.
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